Italian-American Heritage Month: Interview with Filitalia President, Saverio Nestico
As part of Italian-American Heritage Month, I interviewed the president of Filitalia International, Saverio Nestico
Obviously, this is not a journalistic outlet, but I do believe in integrity, and I think it is important to mention not only am I a member of Filitalia, but I am also a chapter president within the organization.
I say all these because I 100%, openly, and fully endorse the organization and think it’s important to state I might have some heavy bias for this particualr interview, haha.
So, what is Filitalia International?
Filitalia International is a non-profit organization, founded in 1987 by Pasquale F. Nestico, M.D. and a group of Italian-Americans to promote and preserve the Italian heritage, language, and customs throughout the world. The goal of Filitalia International is to solidify and expand the Italian culture, tradition, and heritage through social and humanitarian events. We offer many programs including Scholarships for younger members, Italian Language classes, networking events for young professionals, and cultural events to experience and learn about the Italian Culture firsthand.
Since its conception in 1987, Filitalia has continued to grow and has reached International status with 27 Chapters in 5 different countries and is ever expanding. Our entire organization has been built by the efforts of dedicated volunteers whose love of the Italian Culture has served as a perpetual light to communities throughout the world. The word “FilItalia” means “Love for Italy”. Our mission is to protect and preserve the Italian heritage and culture and encourage the study of the Italian language.
Filitalia also maintains the History of Italian Immigration Museum in Philadelphia, PA, as well.
With that little asterisk added, I bring you the second interview this month as part of my Italian-American Heritage Month series with the organization’s 7th president, Saverio Nestico.
Saverio was gracious enough to be interviewed as part of this series and provide his own unique thoughts on the topic, which, just like Danielle’s interview from the previous post, is unique, personal, and yet, in many ways, similar too.
I wasn’t sure what to expect conducting these interviews and I was really surprised how much cross over there was. Even more surprising, I ended up feeling pretty validated in my own life towards the direction or the choices I have been making about my heritage, and that I was far from alone.
If anything, it’s probably more common than I realize.
Which, I think means something for the larger Italian-American community. The number of themes that crossed between these interviews, unintentionally and having never spoken to each other, are the neat kinds of threads that connect communities without even knowing it.
It’s really something special. But, not letting myself get too sidetracked, here is the interview.
Chris (C): Please share a bit about your Italian-American background, where your family is from, and how, if at all, you feel it's shaped your current identity.
Saverio (S): It’s with great pleasure to talk about the Nestico family and our Calabrian roots.
The lineage of my roots is a straight path and rather easy to follow. Both my parents and grandparents are from the same town in the region of Calabria, the town of Isca sullo Ionio in the Province of Catanzaro.
My father came here to the USA in 1966 at the age of 21 and my mother came here in 1968 at the age of 24. Both came to South Philadelphia, PA where all of their siblings, parents and many Calabrese immigrated.
South Philadelphia became our home, but the roots are never forgotten!
We celebrate all the same traditions, speak the language, eat all the foods and most importantly my parents and family always remind us of the amazing stories of growing up in Calabria. I love Calabria, not only for the obvious things, but because of the traditions and values that were instilled in my parents that they carry with them everyday and have instilled those values in me and our entire family.
Next time I see you I’ll be sure to bring you a homemade soppressata! Haha!
C: I’m going to hold you to that, haha. I might also be asking how to make it too.
Allura, what is Filitalia, and how did you get involved? What does Filitalia mean to you personally, and how does its mission statement affect the larger Italian-American community?
IAP 315: Filitalia International- Celebrating Italian Roots from Havana to the Heartland!
S: Filitalia International is a global organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Italian language, culture, and heritage, especially within the Italian-American community.
The organization supports educational and cultural programs, offers scholarships, and works to foster a sense of community among Italian descendants and enthusiasts of Italian culture.
My involvement in Filitalia has a personal history, as my father founded the organization in 1987.
From a young age, I was deeply connected to its mission and activities. Over the years, I transitioned into leadership roles, starting as the Chair for the La Festa della Repubblica Street Festival Committee for 7 years, President of the Southeast Philadelphia, PA COSMI Chapter, and then Vice President of the organization of 4 years and eventually assuming the role of President of Filitalia International in May of 2023.
Personally, Filitalia is more than just an organization; it is part of my identity and a legacy.
It allows me to contribute to preserving our rich Italian heritage, which has shaped not only my life but the lives of countless Italian-Americans.
For me, it represents a bridge between generations, connecting the values, traditions, and language of Italy to future generations.
Filitalia's mission resonates deeply with the larger Italian-American community by offering opportunities to learn about their roots, to celebrate their culture, and to pass it on to the next generation.
It also fosters a strong sense of pride and unity within the community, by promoting education, culture, and community Filitalia strengthens the bonds between Italy and the Italian diaspora, ensuring that our traditions remain alive and vibrant.
C: Do you feel the Italian-American community is dying off with the older generations, in a renaissance with younger generations, just stagnant, or somewhere in between?
S: I believe the Italian-American community is at a crossroads, somewhere between a resurgence and a potential loss.
While the older generations carry the deepest connection to Italian traditions, there's a noticeable shift in how younger generations engage with their heritage. Some might argue that the community is at risk of fading with the older generations, but I think there's also a renaissance of sorts happening.
Younger generations, while perhaps not practicing traditions in the same way as their grandparents, are still finding new ways to connect with their Italian heritage.
Social media, cultural festivals, and language programs are becoming more popular, as they seek to understand where they come from. This new wave of engagement is more modern and adapted to contemporary life but still rooted in the desire to preserve a connection to Italy.
That said, there's a real need for active efforts to sustain this momentum. Organizations like Filitalia are crucial in bridging the gap, offering resources and events that make the culture accessible and relevant to younger people.
Without these initiatives, there's a risk of stagnation, but with the right efforts, we could see a genuine revival that honors the past while adapting to the present.
I always tell people, “There is a thirst for the heritage, the traditions and culture, and that Filitalia is here to quench that thirst”
C: What are the most important cultural aspects that have been lost to time and assimilation which are specific to the Italian-American community and do you think can be done to recapture them?
S: Several important cultural aspects of the Italian-American community have been diminished over time due to assimilation, but there is potential to revive them with focused efforts. Here are a few key areas:
1. Italian Language Proficiency
One of the most significant losses has been the decline in Italian language use.
Many first-generation immigrants were bilingual, but with each subsequent generation, English became the dominant language. As a result, many younger Italian-Americans don’t speak or understand Italian.
How to recapture it: Join Filitalia!!
You want to learn the language and be immersed in the culture, then join our family! Italian classes for children and adults, language exchange programs, attending events. All of this and so much more is available to you.
2. Intergenerational Traditions
Traditional celebrations, customs, and rituals—like the feast days of patron saints, making homemade wine, or large family gatherings around specific holidays—have often faded as families assimilate into American culture.
The close-knit, multigenerational family dynamic, so prominent in Italian culture, has also weakened as family members move away and adapt to different lifestyles.
How to recapture it: Join Filitalia!!
Hosting community festivals, family-oriented events, and encouraging the continuation of these rituals in modern ways can revive interest. Storytelling and sharing family histories are also powerful ways to engage younger generations.
3. Culinary Traditions
While Italian food remains popular in the U.S., the authenticity of regional and traditional dishes has sometimes been lost or simplified over time. Homemade pasta, bread, and sauces, for example, were once a staple in Italian-American homes but are now often replaced by store-bought products.
Many Italian-American families no longer pass down traditional recipes.
How to recapture it: Join Filitalia!!
Organizing cooking classes, recipe exchanges, and food festivals focused on authentic, regional Italian dishes can help preserve these culinary traditions. Teaching younger generations about the importance of food in Italian culture, not just as sustenance but as a way to bond, could reignite passion for these practices.
4. Religious and Spiritual Practices
Faith and Catholicism have been central to the Italian-American identity for many families.
However, religious observances, such as going to Mass regularly, celebrating specific saints, and participating in religious festivals, have become less common.
How to recapture it: Join Filitalia!!
Encouraging participation in traditional religious celebrations and making them more appealing to younger generations through music, art, and community service components can revitalize interest.
Combining cultural and religious aspects can make them more accessible and engaging.
5. Community Solidarity
The sense of "paesani" (a tight-knit community, often of people from the same region or town in Italy) was a cornerstone of early Italian-American life.
Families relied on each other for support, and there was a deep sense of loyalty and shared responsibility within these groups. Over time, as families became more dispersed and less reliant on ethnic enclaves, this community cohesion has lessened.
How to recapture it: Join Filitalia!!
Strengthening Italian-American organizations like Filitalia, where people of similar backgrounds can come together for mutual support and cultural engagement, is essential. Creating mentorship programs, networking events, and community service initiatives that foster interdependence can also help rebuild that sense of unity.
By focusing on these areas and making efforts to pass on these traditions in ways that resonate with younger generations, there’s a strong possibility that much of what has been lost to assimilation can be recaptured.
Making cultural education both accessible and exciting is the key.
C: I feel like there might have been a theme going on that last answer, haha.
Currently, do you think there is a genuine Italian American community at the moment, especially in comparison to previous generations?
S: Compared to previous generations, the Italian-American community today is less concentrated and tightly knit, but it still exists.
While traditional bonds have weakened through assimilation, there are pockets of cultural revival, especially through organizations, festivals, and social media. The community now operates more loosely, with individuals connecting to their heritage in modern, diverse ways. However, it lacks the strong, unified presence it once had in earlier generations.
C: In a mostly ethically assimilated era of what we can call 'European White Americans,' would you say there are even Italian-Americans and if so, are there any identifiers that make them unique or stand out from their European-American counterparts?
S: Yes, Italian-Americans still exist and maintain unique cultural identifiers.
Despite assimilation, many retain strong ties to family, food traditions, Catholic faith, and a sense of pride in their Italian heritage. Their connection to Italy's distinct history, language, and customs sets them apart from other European-American groups, even in a more homogenized American landscape.
These traits, particularly the emphasis on family and cultural rituals, continue to offer a distinct identity within the broader ‘European White American’ category.
C: What pieces of culture do you think are the most important broadly speaking, in making a group, a group?
Is it food, language, music, religion, tradition, a combination of those, or something I left unmentioned?
S: The most important elements in defining a group are a combination of factors, including:
Language: It’s the core of communication and cultural transmission, carrying history and values.
Traditions and Rituals: These provide continuity, connecting generations through shared practices and milestones.
Food: Cuisine often acts as a tangible, daily link to heritage, bringing people together.
Religion and Spirituality: For many, this shapes values, community structure, and important life events.
Shared History and Identity: This creates a sense of belonging and common purpose.
Each of these aspects contributes to a group’s distinct identity, but it’s the shared experiences and sense of community that ultimately bind them together.
C: How big a loss do you believe language was in the loss of 'Italian-Americanness' in the US?
How much do you think the loss of other traditions also played into it?
S: The loss of the Italian language was a significant blow to Italian-Americanness in the U.S.
Language is a primary vehicle for passing down culture, stories, and values, and losing it weakened the connection to Italian heritage. Without the language, subsequent generations found it harder to engage with traditional Italian customs, literature, and history, making them feel more distant from their roots.
However, the loss of other traditions—such as religious practices, intergenerational family gatherings, and unique cultural rituals—also played a major role.
These traditions formed the fabric of daily life and reinforced a strong sense of identity. When these faded, they compounded the disconnection caused by the loss of language, making Italian-American identity less distinct over time.
Ultimately, it was a combination of language and cultural traditions that contributed to the erosion of a more unified Italian-American identity.
C: As someone who travels regularly to Italy, do you mind describing the regionality factor of Italy, such as your family's home, to an American audience?
How important is one's town or region to their identity, to their food, even their outlook on life?
S: Italy is deeply regional, with each area having its own distinct identity, traditions, and cuisine.
For instance, Isca Sullo Ionio in Calabria is a small town with a rich local culture. In Italy, your town or region significantly shapes your identity. Food is a prime example—Calabrian cuisine features unique ingredients and flavors, like spicy 'nduja sausage, soppressata and local olive oils, that reflect the region's history and environment.
Similarly, regional customs and attitudes towards life are influenced by local traditions and geography. This regional pride and specificity are central to Italian culture, creating a strong sense of belonging and uniqueness in each area.
C: For anyone looking to recapture their heritage, do you have any advice or places to start? Or easy traditions to pick up and begin again?
For anyone looking to recapture their heritage, starting with Filitalia International is a great first step.
Here’s how you can begin:
Get involved with Filitalia International, visit our website, sign up to become a member, and attend a meeting. Embracing the mission and getting involved can provide valuable resources and connections.
Learn the language, start by taking Italian language classes or using language-learning apps to reconnect with the language of your ancestors.
Explore Italian cuisine, try cooking traditional Italian dishes at home or participate in cooking classes to bring authentic Italian flavors into your life.
Celebrate Italian traditions, reintroduce Italian holidays and customs into your family’s life, such as Festa della Repubblica or La Befana, and celebrate with traditional foods and activities.
Engage with the community, attend Italian festivals, join local Italian-American organizations, or participate in cultural events to connect with others who share your heritage.
Research uyour family history, dive into genealogical research to uncover your family's roots and stories, which can deepen your connection to your heritage.
By starting with these steps, you can gradually rekindle your Italian heritage and share it with family and friends.
C: From your own experience and opinion, what are Italians' attitudes to Italian-Americans and the diaspora at large?
S: In my experience, Italians often have mixed attitudes toward Italian-Americans and the broader diaspora.
On one hand, there's a sense of pride in seeing Italian culture spread globally, and many Italians appreciate the efforts of Italian-Americans to preserve traditions, language, and heritage.
There’s often admiration for the success many Italian-Americans have achieved, especially in areas like business, politics, and the arts. However, some Italians may view the diaspora as being somewhat disconnected from "authentic" Italian culture.
They might see Italian-American traditions as outdated or romanticized versions of Italy, reflecting a time or region that has since evolved. This can sometimes lead to a subtle divide, where Italians and the diaspora may not fully identify with one another, despite their shared heritage.
Overall, while there’s a bond rooted in common ancestry, there are nuances in how each group relates to Italian identity. Some embrace the connection warmly, while others may feel it’s more distant or diluted. I, for one, are deeply connected and embrace my culture! It's a lifestyle for me with my passion growing more and more intently as each day passes!
I greatly appreciate Saverio taking the time for this interview, and helping me with this.
I am really striving to not only highlight the Italian-American community during the month of October from a personal perspective and for my own bias reasons, but, the culture as whole for those who do not have a connection or understanding. As well as for those who might be on a similar journey like my own, trying to recapture those lost aspects and hopefully these kinds of things help as nudge forward in their own life or hitting the nerves.
Hopefully, it’s accomplishing what I’m setting out to do.