Buffalo Continues Italian Heritage Month Celebrations

Buffalo is in full swing celebrating Italian Heritage Month, with a variety of events honoring the rich traditions and contributions of Italian Americans in the region.

The festivities commenced earlier this month with a special Mass in Italian and a wreath-laying ceremony at St. Anthony’s of Padua. These events set the tone for a month filled with cultural activities designed to engage and educate the community.

Upcoming highlights include the Italian Heritage Parade on Saturday, October 18. The parade will begin at 1 p.m. at the corner of Delaware and Hertel avenues, featuring floats, marching bands, and regional flag bearers. This annual event is a vibrant display of Italian pride and unity.

In addition to the parade, the Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo is hosting several events throughout the month. On October 17, families can enjoy the "Spooktacular Serata con la Famiglia," a Halloween-themed gathering. Other events include cooking classes, lectures, and concerts, all aimed at celebrating Italian culture and heritage.

Justice Frank Caruso of the New York State Supreme Court emphasized the importance of these celebrations, stating, "Events like this are important to continue going down from one generation to another, to continue the traditions and continue the history of people knowing the history of their culture. I think it’s vitally important. And, you know, we’re all together as Americans, but there’s a uniqueness among the heritage that we have."

As the month progresses, Buffalo residents and visitors are encouraged to participate in these events, fostering a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of Italian Americans in the community.