Pasquale F. Nestico, M.D. and a group of
Italian-Americans founded Filitalia in 1987. In 1991
Filitalia had reached National scope with the addition
of several Chapters in the Northeastern United States.
By April of 2007 Filitalia reached International Status.
Currently there are several chapters throughout Europe
and Canada.
Our Mission
Filitalia International exists to preserve and defend
the Italian Heritage and Culture by encouraging the
study of the Italian Language and providing educational
events for the community. The word “Filitalia” means
‘love for Italy’.
Our Plan
Help young Italian Americans through our extensive
scholarship program. Encourage the study of Italian
Language and Culture throughout the world. Promote
networking events for the Italian American youth and
professionals. We will solidify Italian American Culture
through Italian sports events, social events, and
humanitarian events.
Filitalia Activities,
Language & Tradition
-Italian Lessons-
Filitalia offers Italian language classes in 10 weeks
sessions. Classes range from Beginner to Advanced. We
have four sessions per year during
Spring,Summer,Fall,
and Winter. We also offer Italian Cooking Classes and
plan to expand our courses even further.
-Academic Scholarships –
Scholarships are awarded to students at many different
levels of education and for many different fields of
study. Currently we offer 19 different scholarships to
members and non-members of Filitalia.
-Columbus Day Parade-
Every year Filitalia celebrates the great Italian
explorer, Christopher Columbus by walking in the
Columbus Day Parade. We carry flags and a banner for
each Chapter in Filitalia. After the parade we open our
center for the Annual Wine & Suppressata Contest. Judges
and participants taste each of the contestant’s homemade
wines and suppressata, a fun day for the entire family.
-‘Ferragosto’ Block Party-
Ferragosto is a celebration held in Italy every August
15th. In Italy, it is a tradition to celebrate the
arrival of the vacation season. In many towns in Italy
the shops, government buildings, and restaurants all
close for the vacation season. Here in America, at
Fililtalia, we celebrate this day with a block party. We
close the street down in front of our center and have
bands, vendors, and food. It is a great event to meet
other Italian Americans, practice your Italian and taste
Italian cuisine.
-Charity & Community-
-Filitalia International Christmas Seals Program –
This completely volunteer driven program has helped over
135 families in its three-year existence. Going into our
fourth year our goal is to help 100 families. By
collecting toys and monies we provide each family with
$100 gift card to grocery shop at Shoprite and Christmas
presents for their children. Through several catholic
churches the families can find out about our mission.
Click the button below to help families in need this
holiday season.
Networking & Motivation
-Meet and build rapport with successful Italian-American
professionals.
Join Filitalia’s Linked In Networking group.
-Annual Young Professional Networking Banquet
This is a great opportunity to meet other business
professionals and hone your networking skills in a
friendly environment.
Culture & Cuisine
-Wine and food tasting events
Italy is home to some of the oldest wine producing
regions in the world. The Etruscans and Greeks produced
wine long before the Romans started developing their own
vineyards. Currently, there are over 1 million vineyards
in cultivation. Filitalia holds several events
throughout the year to bring the experience of Italian
wine to you.
-Art and Music Events-
The Art of Italy has influenced everything from
sculpture, to architecture and design throughout the
world. A long history, and wealth of art is displayed
throughout Italy and the world. The Italians are
credited for many techniques used throughout art and
music, i.e. chiaroscuro (a contrast between light and
dark in painting) allegro (the tempo a musical piece
should be played at). Filitalia holds many events
throughout the year to expand knowledge of the vibrant
and exciting history of art and music in Italy.
Sports
The “Giovanni Monterosso Bocce Tournament”
An ageless game, Bocce Ball has been played since the
ancient Romans. Beginning with the Emperor Augustus,
bocce became the sport of Statesmen and Rulers. The
first Bocce League was formed in Italy in 1947. That
same year was the first Bocce World Championships.
Thanks to the early Italian immigrants, today we have a
thriving Bocce scene in America as well. Every year
Filitalia holds a Bocce Tournament in September where
each chapter sends a team to compete for the trophy.
The “Franco Ceraso Foosball Tournament”
Although this sport was created in the United Kingdom,
it has become a great pastime of many Italians. Perhaps
it is because of the love of soccer in Italy that this
game became so popular. Every April, Filitalia
International holds a foosball tournament after our
annual Convention. Each chapter sends their best players
in hope of achieving 1st place.
Recognition
Annual Gala Dinner Awards
-Citizenship Award
This award is presented to individuals who have shown a
significant contribution to the community.
-Education & Leadership Award
This prestigious award is given to an individual of
Italian descent who has given significant contributions
and demonstrates incredible leadership skills in the
field of education.
-Humanitarian Award
This award is given to an individual who has
demonstrated extraordinary acts, in helping the poor,
the sick, and needy people.
Filitalia
International 1834 E. Passyunk Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19148 USA
Phone: 215-334-8882 Fax: 215-551-0368
email:
info@filitaliainternational.com
