by Sergio Strozzi, Consul General of Italy in San Francisco Italian Heritage Month is a time for us to reflect on the profound impact that Italian immigrants have had on the cultural, economic, and social fabric of San Francisco and the broader Bay Area. This celebration is not only a recognition of our shared history but also a testament to our enduring values of hard work, creativity, and community. San Francisco, a city named after St. Francis of Assisi, an Italian Catholic friar who was known for his compassion and dedication to service, is a fitting namesake for a city that has long been a beacon of hope and opportunity for immigrants from around the world. The first Italian immigrants arrived in San Francisco during the 1840s, at the dawn of California’s statehood. They were instrumental in shaping the city’s early economy, engaging in trades such as fishing, agriculture, culinary arts, and merchantry. Domenico Ghirardelli, who arrived in 1847, introduced the city to Italian sweets and chocolate, and today, Ghirardelli Square remains one of San Francisco’s most well known landmarks. The influence of Italian craftsmanship is evident throughout the city. From the marble used in City Hall to the early […]
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The San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade Committee is thrilled to announce the return of the parade to the streets of San Francisco on Sunday, October 13, 2024. This year, Joe D’Alessandro, the recently retired President and CEO of the San Francisco Travel Association will be honored as the Grand Marshal. D’Alessandro, a proud Italian-American, is celebrated for his 18-year tenure as the head of SF Travel, where he helped boost San Francisco’s profile as a premier destination for global tourism and conventions. Under his leadership, the city saw record-breaking tourism growth, earning its place as one of the most visited destinations in the world. His passion for his Italian heritage and dedication to fostering cultural pride make him a ideal Grand Marshal to lead this year’s festivities. Now in its 156th year, the San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade is the longest continuously running Italian-American parade in the United States. Since its inception in 1868, the event has grown into a grand celebration of Italian culture and pride, attracting thousands of visitors annually with its colorful floats, spirited marching bands, vintage cars, and exuberant performances. As it winds through the vibrant streets of North Beach, participants and spectators alike will be […]
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Announcing the 155th San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade Tony Gemignani and Judge Claude Perasso Named Grand Marshals of the 2023 San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade San Francisco, CA – September 7, 2023 – The San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade Committee is thrilled to announce the return of the parade to the streets of San Francisco on October 8, 2023. Renowned pizzaiolo and restaurateur Tony Gemignani and esteemed Judge Claude Perasso will be honored as the Grand Marshals for the highly anticipated event. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tony’s Pizza Napoletana (@tonyspizza415) Tony Gemignani, a world-class pizza acrobat and 13-time World Pizza Champion, has been an indispensable figure in the culinary world. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Tony’s passion for pizza grew into numerous award-winning pizzerias across the United States, each dedicated to preserving the authentic flavors of Italy. His extensive contributions to the culinary landscape and his deep-rooted love and dedication to San Francisco make Tony an ideal choice as Grand Marshal for the 2023 Italian Heritage Parade. Judge Claude Perasso, a distinguished legal luminary born to Italian immigrants, has played a pivotal role in the San Francisco community, demonstrating unwavering dedication […]
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Randy DeMartini, Executive Director of the Salesian Boys & Girls Club and Larry Mazzola, Jr., Business Manager of Local UA 38 will be honored as parade Grand Marshals The nation’s longest continuously running Italian Heritage Parade takes to the streets of San Francisco on Sunday, October 9, 2022 The San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade is proud to announce its return to the streets of San Francisco on Sunday, October 9, 2022. Last year, the Italian Heritage Parade was the first major parade to take place in the city since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and this year the parade once again expects to host vibrant crowds coinciding with San Francisco Fleet Week. Randy DeMartini and Larry Mazzola, Jr., and will be honored as parade Grand Marshals. DeMartini is Executive Director of the Salesian Boys & Girls Club, an anchor of the North Beach community, which provides after school activities, enrichment programs and services, and recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. Mazzola Jr. is Business Manager of Local UA 38, President of the San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council and is part of a proud Italian-American tradition of fighting for working men and women in San Francisco. “Growing up in […]
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The Italian Heritage Parade welcomes you to join us in Washington Square for a lighting ceremony and Italian Heritage Weekend Kickoff – the kickoff to Italian Heritage Parade and Festival Weekend as well as Italian Heritage Month. We will raise the Italian flag honoring contributions of Italian Americans to San Francisco, countdown to light up the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club and St. Peter and Paul’s Church and Washington Square park in the red, white and green of the Italian flag. A full outdoor bar and food will be available for purchase from the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club. Speakers and performers will connect with the community from the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club balcony and include: San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade and Festival President Bill Mastrangelo San Francisco District 2 Supervisor Catherine Stefani Consul General Sergio Strozzi Maria Pignati will perform the Italian national anthem Followed by Countdown and Washington Square Lighting, Live DJ Please spread the word and purchase your tickets here!
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Announcing the 153rd San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade The nation’s longest continuously running Italian Heritage Parade takes to the streets of San Francisco on Sunday, October 10, 2021 Graziano Cerchiai, owner of SF’s famous Bimbo’s 365 Club, named parade Grand Marshal The San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade is proud to announce its return to the streets of San Francisco on Sunday, October 10, 2021. The Italian Heritage Parade will be the first major parade to take place in the city since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and will once again coincide with San Francisco Fleet Week. Graziano Cerchiai, owner of SF’s famous Bimbo’s 365 Club, will be honored as parade Grand Marshal in recognition of the club’s 90th anniversary. Recognized by San Francisco Heritage as one of the city’s 100 Legacy Bars and Restaurants, Bimbo’s on Columbus Avenue is still run by Graziano and his sons Michael and Gino. The club’s allure of sophisticated decor invokes nights of dinner theater, dance palaces, and black-tie dress codes. “The Italian Heritage Parade is a unique San Francisco event and will serve as a big boost to our tourism and economic recovery efforts this Fall,” said Joe D’Alessandro, San Francisco Travel president […]
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With outdoor dining back open and the weather getting better, our local businesses are looking forward to better times. While we encourage you to practice social distancing, the following Bay Area Italian businesses are open for outdoor dining, takeout, delivery, and other essential goods. Please visit their websites, order directly (as opposed to through a food delivery app) and donate to employee relief funds if you can. Please also email us if you know of a business that would like to be added to this list. Stay healthy and stay positive. The Buena Vista is still serving their famous Irish Coffee to go as well!
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With outdoor dining closing and other COVID-19 restrictions increasing throughout the Bay Area, our local businesses need our help more than ever. While we encourage you to practice social distancing, the following Bay Area Italian businesses are open for takeout, delivery, and other essential goods. Please visit their websites, order directly (as opposed to through a food delivery app) and donate to employee relief funds if you can. Please also email us if you know of a business that would like to be added to this list. Stay healthy and stay positive. Buon Natale! The Buena Vista is still serving their famous Irish Coffee to go as well!
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Let your Italian Pride FLY! Le Donne d’Italia and the San Francisco Italian Heritage Festival want to see #ItalianFlagsEverywhere to celebrate Italian Heritage in October. Visit one of the participating retailers or restaurants below starting Thursday, October 8th, for FREE Italian flags and window clings. Available until they run out!
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