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Since 1936, members of the DeMarco family have donned matching green, white and red dresses and gathered for the Feast of the Assumption — returning Aug. 15 for its 123rd year — as a nod to their rich heritage. “We can’t stop the tradition,” says Victoria Cirino McNamara, 77, granddaughter of Carmela DeMarco, the first family member to walk in the...

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“Why doesn’t someone write my story?” my mom has often said in the presence of her daughters. One of us had to take on this authoritative entreaty posed as a question. I decided it would be me. Years ago, right before my dad, Vincenzo Lucarino, passed away, I had planned on writing his life story. I knew it would be adventurous and colorful and, u...

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After getting exhausted by reading about current events, I needed a pick-me-up, preferably something sweet and calorie-laden. Since I was in Solon, I decided to get my sweet and calorie-laden pick-me-up from Jim Alesci's Place, an Italian grocery store with a deli and bakery. When I walked in, I was surprised to see the wide selection of hot foods....

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Nominations for Honorees to be recognized during Cleveland Italian American Heritage Month in October 2022 are being requested by the Cleveland Italian American Heritage Committee. The categories for nomination include: Arts & Culture, Business, City or County Employee, Individual, Public Servant, or Youth.  Anyone is welcome to nominate an Italian...

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Souvenirs, an omnipresent facet of modern tourism, trace their roots to the ancient Mediterranean. In the Roman Empire, the common languages of Greek (koine) and Latin, standardised coinage and centralised bureaucracy increased the ease of travel, all of which helped a culture of souvenirs flourish. Indeed, a broad range of souvenirs commemorating...

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Joe and Anthony Russo, a pair of Italian American brothers and filmmakers from Cleveland, Ohio, continue their meteoric ascent fueled by groundbreaking storytelling, big-budget spending and good old Hollywood stardust. The Russo Brothers, who are lifelong members of Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA), are down-to-earth directors who lean...

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Mark your calendars now: The popular concert “Opera in the Italian Garden” is back in its regular format and will be presented on the lawn of the Renaissance Italian Cultural Garden from 6 to 7:30 p.m. July 24. This family-friendly concert of famous music from well-known operas and Broadway musicals is a perfect summer evening, featuring two of Cle...

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An Italian mayor where a 16th century altarpiece was stolen in 1905 told News 5 a push is underway to retrieve what they believe is the lost masterpiece, currently located in Cleveland, Ohio. "It has become an important issue for our town and for our community," Figline Valderno mayor Guilia Mugnai said. "It is a part of our collective memory, so i...

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The popular "Opera in the Italian Garden" will be presented in the beautiful Italian Renaissance Cultural Garden Sunday, July 24 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. The live family-friendly concert highlights two of Italy’s greatest cultural arts: opera and ballet, featuring famous music from well-known operas, Broadway musicals and popular Italian songs with The C...

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Propping his arm on the workbench, 9-year-old John Sorgi watches his father, Jim Sorgi, tie a knot on a 5-inch cylinder shell. The “Wizard of Ahhs” is just a boy, but he’s following Jim’s footsteps, who started by stuffing fuses in paper tubes for his father, Vincenzo Sorgi.  Vincenzo, a third-generation pyrotechnician, immigrated from Avezzano, It...

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