What Does it Mean to be Italian?

Jerry Maffeo couldn’t be prouder of his Italian heritage.

“I say that because of what the Italian people have done for this world,” said the owner of Martini’s on Hanover Street who was born and raised in the North End.

“We have the best artists, the best builders and are the most educated people on earth,” Jerry said in reference to what celebrating Italian Heritage Month -- beginning today -- means to him.

“Italians have done a lot, not just for civilization but for this country,” he said. “We brought the best cuisine in the world with us which is satisfying and very healthy food.”

Equally impressive to Jerry are the political accomplishments of the Italians.

“The first senators ever discovered were from the Roman Empire,” he said. “They invented democracy and brought it to America.”

The Italians educated the world, Jerry said.

“We were the first people to eat with a fork.”

Perhaps the most precious aspect of Italian heritage to Jerry that he is convinced will never go away is respect for family.

“That’s the Number One priority for Italians,” he said.

So join him in celebrating whatever aspect of Italian heritage that makes you proud.

The month-long celebration offers a number of events. 

On Monday, Oct. 1, Governor Deval Patrick and Consul General of Italy Guiseppe Pastorelli were at the ceremony on the State House Grand Staircase to kick off the month of pride.

Some of us started celebrating a few days early by watching Serie A’s Juventus versus Roma at 2:45 p.m on Saturday. No matter which club fans were rooting for, all were elated to see Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon who saved the 2006 World Cup for Italy against France. He gave up just two goals in the tournament as his team triumphed on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final game.

For current and upcoming Italian cultural events scheduled 
to be held in the Greater Boston area throughout October, visit the Dante Alighieri Society website at
www.dantemass.org

Visit www.ItalianHeritageMonth.com for additional information on the meaning of Italian Heritage Month.