Reflecting on the resilience of our ancestors, this episode journeys through the vibrant narratives of Sicilian heritage and its cultural echoes in the Italian-American communities across the United States. Join us as we hear from Francesca and Manuel, whose roots connect them to Gela, Sicily, with Manuel sharing his role in preserving Italian culture as the president of the historic Italian Athletic Club in San Francisco. We also explore Jerry’s passionate involvement with the St. Joseph’s Society in Boston, where cultural preservation through community events is a cornerstone of his mission. From Francesco’s work in Collesano assisting Americans with discovering their Italian roots to recent legal changes in citizenship, the episode unravels the rich tapestry of shared histories and contemporary connections.
Manny recounts his father’s poignant immigration journey post-World War II, a tale of resilience that complements Francesca’s upbringing in Oakland, California, and her reflection on Sicilian identity. Through personal stories, we explore the biases between northern and southern Italy, giving voice to those challenging stereotypes perpetuated by media. Our conversation with Carlo Treviso dives into his novel “Siciliana,” inspired by his Sicilian roots and the historical events like the 1282 Sicilian Vespers Uprising, showing how storytelling reshapes the perception of Sicily’s cultural identity.
Ending on a vibrant note, we indulge in the sensory delights of Sicilian cuisine, sharing favorite dishes that evoke memories and cultural pride. From arancini to the infamous spleen sandwich, the flavors of Sicily are a testament to the island’s rich heritage. We delve into the beauty of Sicilian landscapes and the cultural exchanges that occur when contemporary Sicilian life intersects with the Italian-American experience. Art, community, and family stories become powerful tools for preserving history as we invite listeners to embrace their roots and celebrate the diverse narratives that define Sicilian and Italian-American culture.
Francesco Curione – 007 Italian Records
SFIAC
Michael Cavalieri – Never Forget Your Roots
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Sicilian Roots Unveiling Hidden Heritage
Francesca La Torre, a first-generation American with deep Sicilian roots, brings a tapestry of fascinating stories that illuminate the Italian American experience. Raised in Oakland, California, Francesca shares the vibrant contrasts she encountered between her American upbringing and her family’s rich Sicilian traditions. From her father’s sense of belonging within San Francisco’s Italian community to enchanting tales of her parents’ whirlwind romance, Francesca offers a heartfelt glimpse into how cultural connections shape identity and belonging.
Ancestral Bonds and Literary Pursuits – Partinico Sicily
Imagine being born to the wail of tornado sirens on a North Dakota nuclear missile base—that’s the dramatic start to author Ryan Byrnes’ incredible journey which he shares with us. His life, shaped by the wanderlust of a military family and rooted in a rich Italian heritage, unfolds in a narrative as compelling as his fiction. Ryan’s quest for connection leads him from the vast American plains to the vibrant streets of Brooklyn. The heart
The Journey Home — Day 11 — Sciacca Sicily
Click here to join out Facebook group The trip to Sciacca got off to a rocky start as the van that was to take us failed to start. After about a 45 minute wait a new vehicle arrived and off we went for the roughly one hour drive. During the trip from Palermo, we were treated to excellent views of the coast, mountains and hills and valleys. As it was a Sunday, it’s hard to
The Journey Home — Day 10 — Cefalu/Palermo
Click here to join out Facebook group The ferry ride from Calabria to Sicily was much quicker than we had anticipated, less than 1/2 hour. So we arrived before our driver, so naturally we had a pastry. It was about a two hour drive from Messina to Cefalu and we arrived just in time for lunch with my good friend Francesco Curione from 007 Italian Records and his friend Andrea Fonti. I interviewed Francesco in
Unraveling Sicilian Secrets: The Story of the Sicilian Uprising in 1282
Join me as I chat with author Carlo Treviso about his Sicilian heritage and the inspiration behind his riveting book, Siciliana. We explore his dad’s immigration story from Porticello, Sicily to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the 70s, and how his family may have been orphans. Delve into the fascinating history of Sicily and the true event of the Sicilian Vespers that inspired Carlo’s story. Listen in as we discuss Carlo’s DNA test results and the Spanish
Researching Limina Sicily
Visit Our Shop Actor/Write/Director Michael Cavalieri talks about finding his roots in Limina Sicily and the production of his award winning film “Ritornato The Movie“. Michael Cavalieri is an Actor and first time Writer/Director originally from New York. His Directorial Debut “Ritornato” which he also stars in was awarded a special grant by the Russo Brothers, the Directors of Avengers: Endgame (the highest grossing film of all time), the National Italian American Foundation and the
