Contact: Sunny Mindel/Curt Ritter (212) 788-2958
"Fifty-three years ago today the people of Italy chose democracy and created the Italian Republic," said Mayor Giuliani. "Today we celebrate their decision and the Italian culture, which has contributed a great deal to New York City's heritage of great works of art, architecture, literature, music and, of course, wonderful food. I encourage all New Yorkers to joins Italian Americans throughout the City in celebrating Italyanissima, a weeklong festival celebrating the Italian National Day. It is a pleasure for me to proclaim May 31st through June 6th Festa della Repubblica Italiana Week in New York City."
Minister Giorgio Radicati, Consul General of Italy, read letters from Italy's President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi and Rome's Mayor Francesco Rutelli offering special greetings to the Mayor and the Italian American community in New York City, as they celebrate Festa della Repubblica Italiana Week.
Mico D. Licastro, President of the Institute for the Italian American Experience, said, "This weeklong celebration will offer Italian Americans the opportunity to celebrate their heritage and offer other New Yorkers the chance to learn more about the Italian culture and the contributions of Italians over the centuries. I want to thank Mayor Giuliani for proclaiming Festa della Repubblica Italiana Week in New York City."