Cultural Events

Our Cultural Events

Italian culture is rich in traditions and art. Joining our events opens the door for you to experience Italian culture firsthand, learn the multi-layers of the Italian society past and present, and expand your perspective of the world.

Past Cultural Events

March 14, 2026: “Portami i cugini” – An Italian American Family Story

This event was a journey through time and space with Editor and ICC Board Member Robin Laurìa Witkin. “Bring Me the Cousins” is a story about finding Robin’s family in Italy and how it was influenced by random events and cultures and unintentionally given direction by both the Italian Cultural Center and a dinner with friends from Japan. Robin followed a trail that led from Naples to Ellis Island to Brier Hill, Youngstown, Ohio’s Italian quarter, and back across the Atlantic to Basilicata. 

March 4, 2026:  Inside Milano-Cortina: From Olympic Triumph to the Paralympic Spirit

This exclusive event was behind the scenes conversation of the Olympic Games and the Paralympics with two Italian experts from Milano: Mario Zaninelli, expert in sports, communication, and Olympic culture, and Claudio Arrigoni, RAI journalist who is one of the most authoritative voices in Italian Paralympics sports. They shared behind-the-scenes stories and insights rarely seen by the public. 

February 28, 2026: Coro! Let’s Sing Together

At this event, we learned fun, iconic Italian songs with award-winning Swiss Italian singer Iris Moné. We sang together songs by Ricchi e Poveri, Raffaella Carrá e Jovanotti. There was no need to be able to sing or speak Italian. 

January 24, 2026: Hidden Little Italy

Members joined us for an illuminating exploration of Italian identity and topography in San Diego with distinguished UCSD Professor of Italian and Comparative Literature Pasquale Verdicchio, PhD. Drawing from his extensive research, Professor Verdicchio’s presentation discussed the Italian diaspora, the history of San Diego’s Italian community and the changes that the neighborhood now known as Little Italy has undergone throughout time. 

December 5, 2025: Festa di Natale

ICC was delighted to welcome members to our annual holiday gathering  at St Joseph Cathedral on December 5, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM

Our members experienced a delightful harp concert by International Harpist Chiara Capobianco, a delicious Italian dinner with a fresh pasta station, photo opportunities and two raffles with fun prizes, including scholarships to Italy in both Lucca, Tuscany and Alberobello, Puglia.