Italian Americans throughout Michigan are celebrating the state’s Italian communities this fall.
October is Italian American Heritage Month, a time to uplift the history, culture and achievements of Italian immigrants to the U.S. and their descendants, including here in Michigan.
Italian Americans are the fourth-largest ethnicity in the U.S. at about 16 million people or 4.8% of the population, according to the John D. Calandra Italian American Insitute at Queens College, The City University of New York.
“Italian Americans have made lasting contributions across various fields. In the arts, legends like Frank Sinatra, Martin Scorsese, and Sophia Loren left an indelible mark on music and film. In politics, Geraldine Ferraro became the first female vice-presidential candidate, and Nancy Pelosi made history as the first female Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives,” Live in Italy Magazine noted. “Italian American cuisine is also a cultural staple. Dishes like pizza, pasta, and gelato have become beloved American favorites. While spaghetti and meatballs aren’t traditional in Italy, they represent the fusion of Italian and American flavors.”
There are about 451,000 Italian Americans living in Michigan — about 4.5% of the state’s population, according to the Institute and 2000 U.S. Census Bureau data.
Across the state, Italian Americans have left a legacy through small businesses, community associations, restaurants, Catholic churches and more, from metro Detroit to west Michigan, Upper Peninsula mining towns to mid-Michigan and beyond.
Here’s what to know about Italian American Heritage Month.
When is Italian American Heritage Month?
Italian American Heritage Month takes place annually in October.
What is Italian American Heritage Month?
Italian American Heritage Month recognizes Italian culture and contributions in the U.S., according to the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America.
Who are Italian Americans?
Italian Americans are Americans of Italian descent, from recent immigrants to third- or fourth-generation Americans.
There are about 16 million Italian Americans at 4.8% of the U.S. population, representing the fourth-largest ethnic group as of April 2024, according to the John D. Calandra Italian American Insitute at Queens College, The City University of New York.
Early origins of Italians in the present-day U.S. date back several centuries, including Italian settlers who arrived by way of England in the 17th century, the book “Italian Americans and Their Communities of Cleveland,” published by Cleveland State University noted.
The 19th century saw Italians arrive in the U.S., 25,000 coming between 1820 and 1870, mainly northern Italians, accordng to Montgomery College and Fitchburg State University.
Major Italian immigration began in the late 19th century, bringing over 4 million Italians to the U.S. between 1880 and 1924, mainly impoverished southern Italians, according to PBS.
Italian Americans are mainly Roman Catholic, with minorities practicing other Christian denominations and faiths.
How did Italian American Heritage Month come to be?
Italian American Heritage Month has been celebrated since 1989, when it was officially recognized by Congress and former President George H.W. Bush, according to the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America.
The month is recognized in October to coincide with Columbus Day, which was Oct. 13, the Order said.
What is Michigan’s Italian population?
Michigan is home to 451,000 Italian Americans, at 4.5% of the state’s population, according to 2000 U.S. Census Bureau data compiled by the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America and April 2024 data from the Calandra Italian American Institute.
From industrial metro Detroit to Upper Peninsula iron mining communities, Italian immigrants and their Italian American descendants have played a key role in shaping Michigan’s history.
“For more than 350 years, Italian immigrants have played important roles in the opening and development of the land that is now Michigan, from their participation in the French fur trade up to the present day,” reads the description of Russell Magnaghi’s book “Italians in Michigan.”
Michigan features Italian groups including the Italian American Club of West Michigan, Italian American Chamber of Commerce Michigan, Italian American Cultural Society, Kalamazoo Italian American Club, Italian American Bar Association of Michigan, Italian American Club of Livonia, Italian American Club of Lansing, Americans of Italian Origin Society
How can you celebrate in Michigan?
If you’re looking to connect with your Italian roots or simply learn more about Italian culture this month, here are some ways to start:
The Consulate of Italy in Detroit, the official representative of the Italian government, is celebrating the month with daily Facebook posts sharing historic clips from the Italian Tribune, a local Italian newspaper founded in 1909.
Michigan festivals that celebrate Italian heritage
In addition to events throughout the month, some of Michigan’s annual Italian heritage celebrations include:
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan is home to nearly half a million Italians. This month celebrates that heritage
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
