Greater Philadelphia boasts one of the largest, and most accomplished, Italian-American communities in the United States. The birthplace of the United States of America, Philadelphia is a city deeply connected to Italian values and the Italian way of life, exemplified by the rich universities, museums, art centers, and neighborhoods and contributions of Italian heritage. I am proud to announce that the Consulate General of Italy – in partnership with area civic, academic, cultural and business leaders – is launching the third edition of Ciao Philadelphia in October 2016 after the success of its previous editions in 2015 and 2014.

This year, Ciao Philadelphia extends beyond Philadelphia, South Jersey, and Delaware to include Pittsburgh and Maryland. Due to the region’s Italian influence, Ciao Philadelphia aims to highlight its cosmopolitan and sophisticated nature through events. Ciao Philadelphia is a month-long series of more than 70 events that highlight the contributions of Italians and Italian Americans to Greater Philadelphia, the Delaware valley and, indeed, the world.

Ciao Philadelphia truly has something to offer everyone. Daily events throughout October include opera, concerts, film screenings, food celebrations, exhibits, Italian race cars, performances and lectures, to name a few. Major highlights this year as well as last year are the tours uniquely created for Ciao Philadelphia. From the historical tours at Independence Hall and Union League to the cultural tours at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Ciao Philadelphia highlights the international nature of the region established through the influence of its Italian and Italian American community.

Ciao Philadelphia is an engaging partnership with the most prominent cultural institutions of the region and various components of the Italian American community. Every landmark institution of the region with an Italian influence as well as all major universities are included. Ciao Philadelphia is a way to appreciate the Italian cultural heritage and connect the region with contemporary Italy, opening doors for even more economic and academic exchanges. The extensive media coverage received in Italy thorough Ciao Philadelphia helps to promote awareness about new opportunities in and with the Greater Philadelphia region.

Ciao Philadelphia is realized thanks to the support of the Ciao Philadelphia sponsors: KPMG, Philadelphia Energy Solution, PREIT, Rothman Institute, SEPTA, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Pennoni, Perke Bank, American Airlines, Giorgio Food Inc, and Fedegari Technologies INC.

We are thrilled to be working with our partner organizations and sponsors to highlight the best of Italy and our Italian American community throughout October.

Andrea Canepari, LL.M.
Consul General of Italy in Philadelphia