Get ready for a captivating journey through the vibrant tapestry of Deanna Oliveieri’s family history. We trace her parents’ migration from Italy’s picturesque landscapes to the streets of Staten Island, New York. Join us as Deanna unveils the intriguing tale of her father’s arranged marriage, the struggles they faced as new immigrants, and the humorous yet heartwarming anecdotes passed down through generations.
As we unravel Deanna’s rich Southern Italian heritage, we plunge into the surprising revelations from her family DNA tests. There’s Greek, Albanian, and Croatian lineage intertwined in her roots, and the chase to fill in the blanks of her family tree involves delightful encounters with distant relatives. We also navigate the intricate webs of language barriers that immigrant families often face, adding yet another layer to this multicolored tale of lineage and legacy.
Finally, we pick Deanna’s brains for nuggets of wisdom for anyone considering a move to Italy. Research, cultural understanding, and the art of renting before diving in for a permanent move – we discuss it all. So, buckle up as we traverse through this riveting reminiscence of Deanna’s Italian roots and the astonishing journey of self-discovery.
Podcast
Video
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Do You Have Toritto Ancestors?
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Little Italys Around The World
The conversation revolves around an upcoming Italian festival in Connecticut, focusing on cultural heritage, community involvement, and the importance of preserving Italian traditions. Participants share their family roots, experiences, and the significance of uniting various Italian communities across the U.S. The discussion highlights the festival’s logistics, including entertainment, food, and opportunities for sponsorship, aiming to create a vibrant celebration of Italian culture. #italianancestry #italianfood #italianmusic #italian The first Italian festival of its kind is set
The Best Of 2025
In Italy, buying and wearing red underwear for New Year’s is a popular tradition believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. This custom is deeply rooted in Italian culture and is associated with the color red, which symbolizes fertility, love, and good fortune. The practice is thought to date back to ancient times when red was considered a powerful color capable of warding off evil spirits and misfortune. As New Year’s
Roots and Reflections – Buon Natale
In this conversation, the hosts and guests share their unique Christmas traditions from their respective cultures, focusing on the differences and similarities between Italian, English, and American customs. They discuss the significance of food, particularly the Italian-American tradition of the ‘seven fishes,’ and reminisce about their childhood memories of Christmas celebrations, including midnight mass and family gatherings. The conversation also touches on the impact of cultural identity and language on their holiday experiences. In this
Rediscovering Italian Roots: Montescaglioso Basilicata
Join us on a heartfelt exploration as George Gingerelli takes us on his remarkable journey of rediscovering his Italian heritage. Picture the scene: George and his sister, motivated by family lore and childhood stories, find themselves piecing together a family puzzle that spans continents and generations. Their emotional voyage led them back to Montescaglioso, Italy, where a century of lost connections was rekindled with newfound relatives. George’s narrative is not just about genealogy; it’s about
