Heritage

A small Sicilian mountain town with a legacy far greater than its size—and a family that spans generations, oceans, and borders. From Campofelice di Fitalia to Kansas City and beyond, this is a story of heritage, pride, and belonging

In Italy, the holiday celebrations do not end on Christmas Day. They continue through the Epiphany on January 6, which for many Italians has traditionally been a bigger and more important celebration than Christmas itself. The Epiphany marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men — and with it comes the tradition of La Befana.

Today is the feast day of Santa Lucia (St. Lucy). St. Lucy is a special patroness for Sicilian Americans in Kansas City. To honor her, we eat cuccia, as no pasta, bread, or refined wheat is consumed on her feast day.

In 2025, Columbus Day in the United States will fall on Monday, October 13. Traditionally, the holiday commemorates Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage to the Americas, and is observed as one of the nation’s federal holidays, with many government offices closed for the day.

Italian-American communities have played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of the United States. From food and...

We’re back on the road across the United States, exploring Italian American traces, stories, and people in each of the 50 states. Today we stop in Kansas City, home to a vibrant community dedicated to celebrating its Italian roots.

The Italians in Kansas City organized mutual benefit societies (società di mutuo soccorso) modeled after those in Italy. These societies raised money to benefit Italians in Kansas City and even Italy when tragedy arose. Some societies were social clubs for Italian hometowns, while others were intellectual or spiritual. In addition to raising money, these societies provided a death benefit to members to help with funeral expenses, attended community events, marched in...

There are those in life that leave a lasting impression on you by their example, dedication, and faith. Father Alex Kreidler is one of them. Father Kreidler, pastor of...

The St. Joseph’s Table is a centuries-old Sicilian tradition celebrated on March 19th, the feast day of St. Joseph. Sicilian immigrants...

Father Anthony Viviano traces his spiritual journey back to his childhood. He grew up in St. Louis with four siblings, raised in a...

In the annals of American military history, few narratives shine as vividly as that of Sergeant John Basilone