As Italian Heritage Month begins in Canada and communities around the world reflect on their connections to Italy, this edition of Italy On Our Radar explores stories that bridge past and present. From cultural festivals and genealogy projects to public art, hospitality, and contemporary Italian cuisine, these are the places, initiatives, and experiences that recently captured our attention.
Rather than simply reporting on events, this column highlights stories that reveal how Italian identity continues to evolve while remaining rooted in culture, community, and place.
ICFF Lavazza IncluCity Celebrates 15 Years in Toronto
Italian Heritage Month in Canada will once again be marked by one of the country’s most significant celebrations of Italian culture. Returning for its 15th anniversary, the ICFF Lavazza IncluCity Festival transforms Toronto’s Distillery Historic District into a hub for film, art, architecture, design, music, and cultural dialogue.
This year’s edition welcomes international guests including actor Patrick Dempsey and legendary Italian actress Ornella Muti, whose career has spanned more than five decades in European cinema. Alongside screenings and special events, the program highlights contemporary Italian filmmaking through Italian Screens while also exploring fashion, design, architecture, and creativity across disciplines. The festival continues to demonstrate how Italian culture thrives through exchange and innovation beyond Italy’s borders. www.icff.ca
WE ARE PAESANI Reconnects Families With Their Roots
For many Italian Canadians and Italian Americans, heritage begins with family stories. A new initiative called WE ARE PAESANI is helping descendants of Southern Italian emigrants rediscover those connections through genealogy and historical research.
Created by Calabrian brothers Marco and Alessandro Mario Toscano, the platform aims to become the world’s largest genealogical archive dedicated to Southern Italy. Drawing from municipal records, parish archives, and historical documents, the project helps users trace family histories across Calabria, Sicily, Basilicata, Campania, Puglia, Molise, and Abruzzo.
More than a research tool, the platform highlights the enduring relationship between Italian communities abroad and the villages their ancestors once called home. www.wearepaesani.com
A Historic Italian-American Landmark Returns to Life
In Washington, D.C., a landmark associated with Italian-American history has been restored after nearly two decades of inactivity. Following years of advocacy by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), the Christopher Columbus Memorial Fountain at Columbus Circle is once again flowing.
Originally dedicated in 1912, the monument has long stood as a symbol of Italian immigration and contribution to American society. Its restoration offers an opportunity to reflect on the role public spaces play in preserving cultural memory and heritage for future generations. www.niaf.org
Contemporary Art Revitalizes a Village in Basilicata
In the mountain village of Sasso di Castalda, contemporary art is becoming part of a broader conversation about community renewal and sustainable tourism.
The project, titled Oltre il Muro (Beyond the Wall), will transform a large concrete retaining wall into a monumental mural created by internationally recognized artists Jorit, Teso, and Calaveras. Adding to the anticipation, the subject of the artwork remains secret until the artists begin painting.
The initiative follows environmental improvements that opened new views of the surrounding landscape and reflects a growing effort to connect public art, environmental stewardship, and slow travel in one of Southern Italy’s lesser-known regions. agr.regione.basilicata.it
A Sense of Place at Masseria AuraTerrae
Set among centuries-old olive groves and overlooking the Adriatic near Polignano a Mare, Masseria AuraTerrae embodies a slower approach to travel.
The restored property combines historic architecture, sustainability, and wellness within more than 24 hectares of countryside. Quiet gardens, citrus groves, panoramic terraces, and open-air spaces encourage visitors to disconnect from daily routines and reconnect with nature.
In a travel landscape increasingly focused on meaningful experiences, AuraTerrae reminds us that luxury is often found in simplicity, silence, and a strong connection to place. www.masseriaauraterrae.com
Mano Libera Brings Contemporary Italian Cuisine to Miami
Italian culinary traditions continue to evolve abroad while remaining deeply connected to regional roots. In Miami, chef Marco Giugliano’s Mano Libera was recently recognized by 50 Top Italy, one of the most respected international guides dedicated to Italian restaurants worldwide.
Born near Naples, Giugliano brings a contemporary Campanian perspective to South Florida through handmade pastas, seasonal ingredients, and modern interpretations of classic dishes. The restaurant’s philosophy reflects a balance between tradition and creativity, demonstrating how Italian cuisine continues to adapt while preserving its identity. www.manoliberamiami.com
Vitto Celebrates Community Through Food
In Mestre, a new concept called Vitto combines gastronomy, cooking education, and community engagement under one roof.
Created by restaurateur Fabio Cavallarin, chef Stefano Callegaro, and events professional Riccardo Fiato, the space blends a specialty food market, contemporary interpretations of Venetian cuisine, and experiential cooking classes. The project reflects a broader trend in Italy toward creating places where food serves not only as nourishment but also as a catalyst for learning, connection, and cultural exchange.
As Italian food culture continues to evolve, initiatives like Vitto demonstrate how tradition can remain relevant through creativity and shared experiences. www.vittomestre.it
A Sense of Place
As Italian Heritage Month is celebrated across Canada and communities around the world reflect on their connections to Italy, these stories remind us that heritage is not something preserved behind glass. It evolves through culture, travel, food, creativity, and the enduring relationships between people and place. Whether in Toronto, Washington, Basilicata, Puglia, or Miami, the common thread remains the same: a continuing dialogue between roots and identity.
These themes will continue to guide our coverage throughout the year as we look ahead to our October edition, Heritage: A Sense of Place.
