Springfield celebrates Italian Heritage Month with flag raising Kayleigh Thomas — WWLP

October is Italian Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and honor the rich culture and contributions of Italian-Americans in the US. Earlier Tuesday afternoon, the city of Springfield held a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate this observance, and recognize the generations of Italian’s in their community.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – October is Italian Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and honor the rich culture and contributions of Italian-Americans in the US. Earlier Tuesday afternoon, the city of Springfield held a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate this observance and recognize the generations of Italians in their community.

Italian-Americans in Springfield came together to celebrate their values, ‘family, faith, and food.’ These three pillars are an important part of their culture and identity and were proudly displayed this Tuesday afternoon.

Green, white, and red were flying high in Springfield to celebrate the rich Italian history in the city. The Springfield Italian Community gathered on the steps of City Hall to show the pride they have for their roots.

“To see everybody coming together, it just means a lot to me because it’s been a long time coming,” said President of South End Citizens Council, Leo Florian.

This celebration is close to many Italian descendant’s hearts as they get to remember where they came from. “I’ve had the opportunity with my family to be part of this great culture, my parents immigrated to this country. And so we have a strong tide to the Italian community,” expressed Stephania Raschilla of Longmeadow.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno says previous forefathers and mothers helped pave the way for current and future generations here in the city, in the US, and across the world. “They’re very involved in the infrastructure of building America the city hall complex here. Italian Americans have served very bravely and dedicatedly to our armed forces and all the wars, but any walks of life,” said Sarno.

This includes doctors, educators, politicians, and business people. “They’re very proud of what they came to this country to do and accomplished,” added Raschilla.

And to keep the celebrations going this Italian Heritage Month, a ‘Taste of Italy” festival will take place on Saturday. It will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Springfield and all funds go back into supporting the church.

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