October is Italian Heritage Month

October is Italian Heritage Month, and we’re celebrating by looking back at the impact Italians have had on American culture! From food to fashion to film, Italian Americans have left a lasting mark on the United States. Keep reading to learn more about the history of Italian Americans and how they’ve shaped the country we know and love today.

Did you know that 14% of the US population is of Italian descent? That’s over 26 million people! Italians first began immigrating to America in large numbers in the late 1800s, and they quickly became an integral part of American society. New York City was a popular destination for Italian immigrants, and Little Italy quickly became one of the most vibrant and influential neighborhoods in the city.

Italians have made a significant contribution to American cuisine. Pizza, pasta, gelato – these are just a few of the dishes that we enjoy today that were brought over by Italians. And who could forget about New York’s iconic bagels? They were actually created by an Italian immigrant named Carmine Lorenzo in the early 1900s. Carmine started out selling his bagels from a pushcart on the Lower East Side, and today, his descendants continue his legacy at Lennie’s Bagels in Brooklyn.

Italians have also had a major influence on fashion in America. Designers like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Donna Karan are all of Italian descent, and their designs have helped shape the way Americans dress for decades. Even today, you can see Italian influences in many of the latest fashion trends. For example, designers like Gucci and Prada have been incorporating vintage-inspired details into their collections, giving us a glimpse into Italy’s rich history through fashion.

And let’s not forget about Hollywood! Some of the most iconic films of all time were directed by Italians or starred Italian Americans. Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino – these are just a few of the names that come to mind when we think about Italian American filmmakers. And who could forget about Rocky Balboa? He’s become an American icon thanks to his gutsy attitude and never-give-up spirit.

As you can see, Italians have had a profound impact on American culture. From food to fashion to film, their contributions are everywhere you look. So this month, take some time to celebrate your Italian heritage – whether that means indulging in your favorite Italian dishes or watching classic movies from Hollywood’s golden era.

Buon appetito!