Reflecting on 2023, I’ve come to realize that, more than ever, today’s parents are raising “children of the world.” Having the opportunity to travel to Italy, post COVID, it is true there, too.
My niece Angela, with a master’s in digital design, has travelled to Italy, London and Monte Carlo for work. My goddaughter’s husband Jason, an expert in global brand strategy and postioning, attends the latest technology symposiums flying to Spain and London. And my cousin Roaldo in Italy, his son Andrea, living in a small hilltop village in Abruzzo, working in automation and electronics, travels to Texas, Arizona, Seattle and all throughout Europe.
I’ve experienced the fascination Italy has with America and especially Philadelphia. Mention the City of Brotherly Love today and Italians will immediately say it’s the home of Rocky Balboa.
In Italy, English is taught as a second language from grade school through high school. Adults also want to visit the land that beckoned to their ancestors.
Here, Italian Americans today are also looking to explore the land of their ancestors with a growing interest in dual citizenship opportunities, retiring in Italy and learning the Italian language.
And, Italians welcome Americas with open arms.
The Italian government has declared 2024 the year of “roots tourism.” They estimate over 60 million people worldwide have Italian roots.
According to the Italian American Studies Association, 18 million Americans identify as having Italian ancestry, an increase from 16 million in 2010, corresponding to about 5.4 percent of the total population.
COVID changed many things in our lives. Many people reinvented themselves and their routines. For me it was out with the bleach blond hair, embracing the silver fox emerging, taking on the role of associate publisher of this newspaper and living Italian style. Being fortunate to share my Italian family in Italy with family and friends, this position gives me the opportunity to now share it with readers too.
While visiting and working from Italy, I’ve met some fascinating individuals such as artists and musicians who want to showcase their talents in America. Gianluca Buccella, the owner of Lacerba, a monthly newspaper much like the Italian American Herald, says his advertisers want to explore opportunities with American businesses. The new mayor of Loreto Aprutino, Renato Mariotti, wants to encourage tourism in his enchanting medieval village while providing opportunities for growth to local businesses and the upcoming generations.
This past year IAH has brought you local stories and news from here in America and Italy. We have subscribers in 22 States. We published the first Holiday Gift Guide, look out for the spring version in time for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and expanded the web site. If you missed any issues, all are archived online at www.ItalianAmericanHerald.com
With more exciting things ahead for 2024, IAH needs your support too. Sign up online for our e-newsletter, pass along your printed copy to someone, promote your business or services in the newspaper, sponsor an upcoming event or send us your comments and suggestions. We love hearing from you.