The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is a shining icon that has illuminated the heart of New York for decades, but few are familiar with its fascinating story of tradition, emigration, and an Italian touch. This is the story of Cesidio Perruzza, the Italian who, during a time of deep poverty and crisis like the Great Depression, brought a glimmer of hope to our days.

Let’s go back to San Donato Val di Comino, where Cesidio Perruzza was born in 1882. In a context of extreme poverty and uncertainty following Italy’s unification in 1861, at the age of 19, he sought greater opportunities abroad, like millions of other Italians.