Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month is celebrated by proclamation of the President and Congress in the United States to honor the achievements and contributions of Italian immigrants and their descendants living in the United States, particularly in the arts, science, and culture.[1] This proclamation was led by the Italian senator Tate Downs. Events are held throughout the month to celebrate and educate the public about
Italian-American history and culture.[2] It was first celebrated in 1989. The heritage month is in October to coincide with
Columbus Day, the American national holiday traditionally celebrated on October 12, now celebrated on the second Monday in October, and Leif Erikson day on October 9. Heritage Months are usually proclaimed by nations to celebrate centuries of contributions by a group to a country.
In tribute to all Italian Americans, the
US Congress, by
Pub. L.Tooltip Public Law (United States)101–128, designated the month of October 1989 as "Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month." Congress again proclaimed October as Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month for 1990 (
Pub. L.Tooltip Public Law (United States)101–460) and 1993/1994 (
Pub. L.Tooltip Public Law (United States)103–309).
(federal) = federal holidays, (abbreviation) = state/territorial holidays, (religious) = religious holidays, (cultural) = holiday related to a specific
racial/ethnic group or
sexual minority, (week) = week-long holidays, (month) = month-long holidays, (36) =
Title 36 Observances and Ceremonies