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This year is special! We’re celebrating 15 years of Italian Fest exhibits and films!
Together, we’ve visited all of Italy’s regions, seen recent, award-winning Italian films, “met” the Grandfather of Italian cooking, and experienced the majestic mountains of the Piedmont.
You’ve “walked” with us through the streets of Rome, enjoyed Carnevale in Venice, seen Sardinia through the lens of a photographer from Milan, and explored the amazing “SEE-CILY!”
We recognized our coal miners in MEN OF THE MINES (our largest exhibit yet), brought you Italian supercars like Ferraris and Lamborghinis in the showcases and on MAIN STREET-and lots more.
Celebrating Calabria
Collinsville Library
Sept. 1 – Oct. 15
This year, we cross the ocean once again. This time, we visit Calabria, the intriguing “toe” of Italy.
Calabria is a sight indeed with its miles and miles of extraordinary coastline, beautiful teal-blue waters dotted with boats and its sky-high rock formations leading to a road on top waiting to be explored.
Calabria is relatively unknown to the American tourist, but it’s a popular destination for Italians. Italy’s Tourism Bureau recently announced more Italian travelers than ever are requesting Calabria and similar places. Tired of COVID, they’re seeking “open air” vacations away from crowds, places offering natural habitats, water activity, nature trails, etc.
Calabria has its secrets and surprises. It’s home to the renown Riace Warriors pulled from the water’s depth 50 years ago—now standing side by side in a local museum.
That’s just a beginning. Come explore Calabria’s unique history, wonderful festivals, inviting villages and much more.
Come see and experience the REAL Calabria in our walk-through exhibit open now through October 15 (near the main desk).
Spicy Calabria
Thursday 15, 6 p.m.
Collinsville Library Community Room
408 W. Main Street, Collinsville, Illinois 62234
This year’s film is extra-special—from actress/producer Esmeralda Spadea herself!
Come join us for her “convertible tour” of Calabria—including places from her childhood, meeting the people behind scenes, enjoying a feast Calabria-style, and learning about Calabria’s most important product that makes them known worldwide!
The film is in Italian with English subtitles, 57 minutes in length. Free Admission. Sponsored by Italian Film Festival USA and the Mississippi Valley Library District.
Kids are invited to visit the Collinsville Library’s Children’s Floor between Monday, September 12, and Saturday, September 17, to make a Roman mosaic! Mosaics were an important part of ancient Roman artwork. See photo examples of real, ancient Roman mosaics, and be inspired to make your own!
