It’s Italian Heritage Month. June is the month to celebrate the Italian Canadian culture in Thorold and surrounding areas. Across Canada, various groups and organizations are holding Italian-themed events. Locally, we have the Feast of St. Anthony at Holy Rosary Church, Ballo Al Chiar di Luna and a Summer Kick Off Party at Club Roma, Gnocchi or Pasta Dinner at Club Castropignano, Club Capri events, daily dinner and drink specials at Johnny Rocco’s Italian Grill, among other cultural functions across the Peninsula. Why do we celebrate all things Italian in June?
On October 7, 2010, the Legislature of the Province of Ontario passed Bill 103 into law declaring forever the month of June as Italian Heritage month. The act, the Italian Heritage Month Act, received Royal assent on October 25, 2010.
With this in mind, lets celebrate the Italian culture in Canada as one thread in the fabric of our national mosaic. Together we can salute the accomplishments of Canadian Italians in Thorold. Invite your friends, neighbours and family. This is why June is a time to celebrate all good things Italian!
Italian Heritage
Look for the “Celebrating Italian Heritage” section in June edition of snapd newspaper on local racks in St. Catharines / Thorold. Find what’s happening in the community including recent event coverage of the Club Roma Folk Arts Open House as well as the National Caesar Day festivities on May 17 when the snaperazzi captured this fun shot of Diano, Mario and Anthony enjoying the food and drinks at Johnny Rocco’s. Cheers to an Italian style celebration in June!
Feast of St. Anthony
The Feast of Saint Anthony at Holy Rosary Church will celebrate the local tradition with Italian sounds and flavours. A social program will be presented at the 39th annual event on June 16 and 17 as well as a religious program, Tridium, June 13, 14, 15, at 7:00 pm. Entertainment on Saturday, June 16 starts at 7:30pm with an evening dance in the Holy Rosary Hall on Queen Street featuring the Organetti Band. Come and do the tarantella dance!
Entertainment on Sunday starts at 6:30 pm featuring the Coro Folcoristico Italiano del Niagara, Eye -Q- Band from Toronto with singers Peter, Sandra, Silvana as well as the Fascination Dancers. Free admission for entertainment and food and drink can be purchased.
Summer Kick-Off Party at Club Roma on June 19
La Terrazza Bistro at Club Roma is the place to be for the Summer Kick Off Party on June 19. It is an all ages event in celebration of Italian Heritage Month. The Bistro (formerly the sports building renovated into a decorative bistro) opens up to the gorgeous gardens surrounding the Pavilion for a perfect indoor / outdoor setting. Savour the flavours of Seasons Food Co. and sip cocktails from the cash bar.
Free entertainment features Serena Pryne of the Mandevilles, 6:30-7:30pm and Jonesy, 7:45pm-10pm. Go to www.clubroma.ca.
Johnny Rocco’s Italian Grill
We can always enjoy something good at Johnny Rocco’s Italian Grill. The highly acclaimed local restaurant at 271 Merritt Street, St. Catharines, is an ideal destination to celebrate Italian Heritage Month. Dinner deals, live music, drink specials, beautiful decor, and an awesome patio makes Johnny Rocco’s a hot spot in June
- VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE ON TAPAS THURSDAYS: Enjoy Niagara’s largest Tapas menu, expertly prepared at Johnny Rocco’s. Appetizers, Salads, Grills & Parmigiana, Pasta, Pizza, & Desserts. Live music, 7pm to 11pm on Thursdays.
- ENJOY PRIX FIXE TUESDAYS: Get an amazing meal for only $20 at Johnny Rocco’s Italian Grill Restaurant, Bar & Patio.
- FREE DRAW : Enter to win $100 Gift Card as J.R.’s celebrates Italian Heritage Month in June. Go to JohnnyRoccos.com for more details.
Find what’s happening in our community by checking our online events calendar.