The Italian Trade Agency in New York recently hosted a special seminar celebrating the culinary traditions that define Italian holiday tables. This event, designed for industry professionals and food lovers alike, highlighted the rich tapestry of flavors that Italian-Americans hold dear, especially during the festive season.
Guided by Raimondo Lucariello, Director of Food and Wine at ITA, the seminar featured esteemed speakers including Francesco Bauli, director of Bauli Group USA, Chef Fabrizio Facchini, and entrepreneur Sam Ramic. Together, they shared stories, insights, and, most importantly, tastes of the dishes that embody Italian holiday traditions.
Italian Holiday Cuisine: More Than Just Food
For many Italian-Americans, the holidays are a time to reconnect with their roots, and food plays a central role in preserving those ties. The seminar showcased classics like panettone and pandoro, traditional sweet breads synonymous with Christmas celebrations. These aren’t just desserts—they’re symbols of Italian culture, passed down through generations and cherished across oceans.
Chef Facchini expanded the conversation, introducing savory staples like prosciutto, salami, and pecorino romano, alongside festive pasta dishes and seafood specialties. Attendees also explored the art of pairing these delicacies with sparkling wines and bold reds, celebrating the craftsmanship of Italy’s renowned vineyards.
Italian-American Pride in Holiday Traditions
For Italian-Americans, these dishes are more than ingredients; they’re touchstones of identity. “Food is a way we stay connected to our heritage,” shared one attendee. “These flavors remind us of family gatherings, stories told around the table, and the pride of knowing where we come from.”
The event highlighted the unique perspective of Italian-Americans who blend their ancestral traditions with modern American influences, creating a vibrant cultural identity that continues to evolve.
Building Toward the Fancy Food Show 2025
This seminar is part of a monthly series leading up to the Fancy Food Show 2025, an event poised to spotlight Italian producers and their contributions to the American market. By sharing the stories behind each dish, these seminars reinforce the bond between Italian-Americans and their culinary heritage.
Initiatives like this remind us that food is more than sustenance—it’s a celebration of identity, culture, and community. Through these events, the legacy of Italian holiday traditions continues to thrive, inspiring future generations to embrace and share their heritage.
