Convivio Offers Italian Culture

Convivio, San Diego’s Little Italy non-profit organization, was founded in 2003 to promote all things Italian. It was formed to encourage and promote closer ties to the study of Italian language, arts, and culture.

 

Sponsored by businesses and restaurants in San Diego the organization has hosted a myriad of literary workshops, films lectures has become a virtual piazza for Italian-community resources. Its Italo-files serves to highlight local Italian community news and events, the most recent being the World Cup final week.

 

Tom Cesarini, Founder and Executive director states that it is the contributors and co-founders that make their organization so successful. Among the sponsors of the organization are Mona Lisa Italian Foods, a prominent sponsor of the organization and close neighbor, Tarantino Gormet Sausages, D’Angelo and Associates, Duane Morris, Procopio, Cause for Celebration, the County of San Diego, and the Little Italy Association.

 

“Convivio is moving into its second phase,” states Cesarini, adding, “We want to unite our community and make the Italian culture more prominent.” According to Cesarini, the organization enjoys great popularity in Little Italy. “Everyone knows about us, as we target people from all walks of life,” he said. Convivio will be taking part in the Italian Film festival, which is currently running with a Gala Film and Dinner event scheduled for September 13. 

 

“The gala event will be featuring wine, food and film,” said Cesarini, stating that he expects attendance of over 100 people. This event will be a part of the indoor series of events, stated Cesarini. The organization has big plans for October, according to the founder, which is National Italian Heritage Month. The schedule of all events can be located on the organization’s website and calendar.

 

Its many programs include Italian Community Digital Archives which seeks to preserve the Italian American history in San Diego; The Italian School, a language program for children and adults; an Italian San Diego & Vantaggio Card. 

 

Cultural, Humanities and Heritage Lecture Series are just some of the many enriching and fun programs being offered by Convivio.