In the heart of the Steel City, with 446 bridges spanning almost sixty square miles, Pittsburgh is a vibrant community rich in Italian heritage. On Episode 9 of The Pizza Story Podcast, with author and host Erica D’Arcangelo, Nick Fiorentino, founder of Pittsburgh Italians, shares his journey of preserving and promoting Italian culture in the city.
From family stories to community events, Nick’s passion for his heritage is a testament to the enduring spirit of Italian Americans in Pittsburgh.
Italian Heritage Rooted in Family
Nick’s Italian roots run deep. His father, who grew up in a predominantly Italian American community, passed down family stories. Despite never meeting his grandparents, Nick cherishes the tales of family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and the vibrant Italian culture that shaped his identity.
“I always felt like I missed out on a really good time in our family’s history,” Nick reflects. His father’s stories about the bustling Italian neighborhoods and the aroma of home-cooked meals left a lasting impression on him.
The Birth of Pittsburgh Italians
Inspired by a lack of promotion for local Italian events, Nick founded Pittsburgh Italians in 2023. His goal was to create a platform that unifies the Italian American community and promotes cultural events.
“I thought that if someone actually put forth a little bit of effort on social media to create some sort of platform, it would help promote these events a little bit better,” Nick explains. The group quickly became a hub for sharing information about Italian festivals, parades, and gatherings. This helped to foster a sense of belonging among its members.
Celebrating Italian American Heritage & Culture in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Italians is more than just a social media page; it’s a community hub for Italian Americans. From the Columbus Day Parade to the San Rocco Festival, Nick highlights events that bring the community together.
“I just wanted people to see what it was all about,” he says, emphasizing the importance of participation and promotion. These events not only celebrate Italian culture but also provide an opportunity for younger generations to connect with their heritage. Nick’s efforts have helped revitalize interest in traditional Italian music, food, and customs.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Nick hopes to continue growing the Pittsburgh Italians community, promoting local businesses, and fostering connections with native Italians. “I just want to continue to raise the standards of the Italian American culture in Pittsburgh,” he shares, envisioning a thriving community that celebrates its heritage with pride. He dreams of expanding the group’s reach, collaborating with other cultural organizations, and hosting larger events that attract national attention. Nick’s dedication to his cause is evident in his plans to engage with schools and educational institutions to teach Italian language and history.
Connecting Through Food and Tradition
Food plays a central role in Italian culture, and Nick is passionate about promoting authentic Italian cuisine in Pittsburgh. He frequently shares recommendations for local Italian restaurants and encourages others to explore the diverse culinary offerings in the city. “I would like to raise the bar, raise the standards for Italian American food around here,” Nick states, advocating for a return to traditional recipes and cooking methods. His love for Italian food is matched by his enthusiasm for Italian music and dance. He hopes to incorporate those music and dance elements into future events.
Nick Fiorentino’s journey with Pittsburgh Italians is a testament to the power of community. It also illustrates the enduring spirit of Italian heritage in Pittsburgh. As he continues to promote and preserve Italian culture in Pittsburgh, Nick invites others to join him in celebrating the rich traditions that define the Italian American experience. His vision serves as an inspiration for those who share his passion for heritage and culture.
Stay connected with Pittsburgh Italians by following their Instagram page @pittsburghitalians412 and join the community in celebrating Italian culture in Pittsburgh. You can also find them on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/PittsburghItalians.
For more incredible stories about pizza and Italian culture like, follow, and subscribe to The Pizza Story Podcast. Get our book: A Story About Pizza and our children’s pizza book.
And, don’t forget that Italian American heritage month is every October.