Local News

DAS Welcomes Dr. Carlo Romeo, the New Consul of Italy in Detroit

The Dante Alighieri Society - Michigan Chapter welcomes Dr. Carlo Romeo, Consul of Italy in Detroit. Dr. Romeo arrived in Detroit on September 29, following his service at the Italian Embassy in Montevideo, Uruguay. The DAS and its members look forward to working with Dr. Romeo to promote the Italian language and culture in Michigan.

60th Anniversary of the Italian Republic

June 2, 2006 marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Italian Republic by plebiscite on June 2, 1946. On that day in 1946, the Italian people selected to be governed by a republic rather than a monarchy. Italians throughout Italy, as well as those living abroad, celebrate Festa della Repubblica every year to mark the occasion.

In southeastern Michigan, the Italian American Cultural Center, as well as the Dante Alighieri Society and other Italian American organizations, held a Festa della Repubblica celebration on Sunday, June 4 at the IACS in Clinton Township.

Italian organizations, including the Dante Alighieri Society - Michigan Chapter, were present with displays and food. Dr. Nicola De Santis, consul of Italy in Detroit, made his final official appearance as Consul before he moves on to serve in the Italian Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela. Marc Santia, Rescue 4 Investigative Reporter for WDIV-TV Local 4, was the featured guest speaker at the 2006 Festa della Repubblica celebration. "Sixty years ago, on June 2, 1946, the people of Italy chose democracy and created the Italian Republic," said Santia. "Today, we celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of their decision and our Italian culture, which has contributed a great deal to this country's heritage of great works of art, architecture, literature, music and, of course, wonderful food."

Dante Alighieri Society Board Appoints New Gruppo Giovanile Chairperson

The DAS welcomes Silvia Giorgini Althoen, new Chairperson of Il Gruppo Giovanile in Ann Arbor. Silvia, along with other Italians in the area, have opened an after school Italian language program called Scuola Arcobaleno. DAS members can watch for future news from Silvia regarding Gruppo Giovanile events in the Ann Arbor area.

Interdepartmental Center for Italian Studies (ICIS) Takes Shape at the U of M

A new focal point for the study of the Italian language and culture is taking shape at the University of Michigan. The Interdepartmental Center for Italian Studies (ICIS) has been created as an initiative of U of M Professor Gabriele Boccaccini and 13 scholars from various academic backgrounds interested in the study of the Italian language, history and culture, in collaboration with Dr. Nicola De Santis, Consul of Italy in Detroit. The goal of the ICIS is to act as an international nexus for Italian studies, to engage area Italian cultural organizations and to act as a resource for Italians in Michigan.

Today's renewed immigration of Italians to the United States is centered at universities, not in the industrial sector as in the past. The creation of the ICIS will foster continued emigration of researchers and scholars from Italy to the United States, particularly to Michigan. The ICIS also hopes to connect today's Italian immigrants to those of previous generations, who emigrated to the United States to work primarily in the industrial sector.

Addio! to Dr. Nicola De Santis, Consul of Italy in Detroit

The Dante Alighieri Society would like to congratulate Dr. Nicola De Santis, Consul of Italy in Detroit, for his efforts to promote the Italian language and culture within the Italian community in the area. This summer, Dr. De Santis will be stepping down from his position at the Italian Consulate. DAS members wish him well in his future endeavors.