Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
The Italian Consulate General in Chicago marked the 70th anniversary of the Festa della Repubblica in grand fashion on June 4. Held for the first time at Casa Italia, the celebration featured an audience filled with community leaders, a host of dignitaries from Illinois and Italy, and delicious food served by some of the Chicago area’s finest purveyors.
The event marked the first public appearance of newly installed Consul General Giuseppe Finocchiaro, who spoke on behalf of recently appointed Italian Ambassador Armando Varricchio, who was unable to attend due to a flight cancellation. On hand was a delegation from Italy led by Senatore Renato Turano that included senators Claudio Micheloni, Maria Mussini and Franco Conte and Dottoressa Roberta D’Addio.
After American and Italian National Anthems sung by Liliana Bartolotta, presentations were made by master of ceremonies Stefano Redaelli, Senators Turano and Micheloni; Consul General Finocchiaro; and representatives from the offices of the Governor, Attorney General and Chicago Mayor. The Consul General bestowed the title of Cavaliere Grande Ufficiale upon pioneering robotic surgeon Pier Cristoforo Giulianotti, Stone Park Mayor Beniamino Mazzulla and Trustee Joseph Burdi gave the keys to the city to the Consul General to present to the Ambassador, and Senatore Micheloni presented Casa Chairman John Ferrentino with a token of the Italian government’s gratitude.
With Stefani Restaurant Group Vice President Claudio Ulivieri serving as coordinator, Italian delicacies of all sorts were served by Alta Villa Banquets, Elio Bartolotta, Buona Beef, Labriola Chicago, Lezza, Giuliana’s Crema di Limoncello, Nduja Artisans Salumeria, Nonna Graziella, Supreme Lobster, Turano Baking Co., Tony’s Finer Foods, Tuscany and Volare. Flowers were provided by Belmonte Florists, the sound system was provided by Onesti Entertainment and invaluable support and effort were provided by the Casa and consular staffs.
