Italian American Heritage Month

Italian American Heritage Month is celebrated every year to honor and recognize the centuries of achievements, successes, and valuable contributions of Italian immigrants and Italian Americans. This month-long celebration occurs in October to coincide with the federal holiday of Columbus Day, which takes place on the second Monday of the month. First commemorated in 1989 through a special proclamation by Congress and President George H. W. Bush, this month highlights Italian American culture and its impact on the United States. 

Between 1820 and 2000, over 5 million Italians immigrated to the United States, establishing a rich legacy that continues today, with more than 26 million Americans of Italian descent living in the country. This makes Italian Americans the fifth largest ethnic group in the nation. Each year, Italians across the country take time to celebrate their Italian American heritage, history, and culture with vibrant festivals and parades. The largest celebration is the parade in New York City on Columbus Day, featuring over 35,000 marchers who proudly represent the enduring contributions of Italian immigrants.