Waterbury Italian American
History, Ethnicity, Culture, Resources,
Faith, Opportunities, Leadership, Contributions, and Influence
"Italian Christmas Concert" Castaldo on SpotifyAlthough the famed Michéal Castaldo wasn't born in Waterbury, he entertained hundreds here each year of Waterbury's Italian Christmas Concert series. His deliberately Calabrese influence on his music is clearly evident in his perfection of Italian folk music.
With a Spotify subscription, listeners can continue to enjoy his Italian and Italian-American music set here: Una Ragione - Everything Happens for a Reason - Barcelona Coffee House Mix • Michéal Castaldo, Mike Greenly, Paul Guzzone (spotify.com) |
Waterbury's PlaymatesThe Waterbury Playmates is a formerly well-known music band. The trio included Donald Claps (a common surname in Avigliano, Potenza, Basilicata, Italia), Carl Cichetti (an Italian name of Piedmontese heritage and other regions), and a presumed-non-Italian.
TriviaItalian is the official national language of San Marino, Switzerland, Vatican City, local areas of Croatia, and Slovenia. About 8% of the world speaks Italian, compared to 17% who speak English.
By 1910, Italians were the highest populous of all foreign-born immigrants in Waterbury, representing 29% of all immigrants.
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DemographicsLong known as an "Italian" city, at least 23% of Waterburians boast Italian as their sole heritage, and 53% boast at least half of their ancestry as Italian. This equates to at least 58,640 Waterbury residents. [as of 2021]
Some of Waterbury's neighborhoods have populations of over 38% Italian American heritage. Italian Americans, therefore, represent the largest ethnic group in Waterbury, by a significant margin. The next most populous ethnic group is of Puerto Rican Descent, followed closely by African Americans and Black Americans. Italians by Zip Code
according to ZipAtlas
TidbitIn 1945, there were 41 viable Italian social organizations in the City of Waterbury.
Italian Mayors
Italian Mayors for a Day
VIDEO: Mayor for the Day:
Semina de Laurentis Quasi 100 Famosi, Nato a Waterbury, e del Patrimonio Italiano
(2) Denotes a known blood relation to Vincent E. Martinelli (3) Denotes heritage of Avigliano, Potenza, Basilicata, Italia (4) Denotes heritage of Pontelandolfo, Benevento, Campobasso, Italia (5) Denotes heritage of Frigento, Avellino, Italia 
Greater Waterbury Italian FestivalsConnecticut is the Italianist State |
The Enduring Imprint of Italian Heritage in Waterbury
Stroll through the neighborhoods of Waterbury today, and the unmistakable influence of the city's Italian-American community is omnipresent. From the aromas of simmering marinara sauce wafting through the streets to the pealing of church bells echoing off old-world architecture, the vibrant Italian spirit has infused every aspect of this Connecticut city's culture and identity. The story begins in the late 19th century when waves of Italian immigrants, primarily from southern regions like Campania, Calabria, and Sicily, arrived seeking economic opportunities in Waterbury's booming brass and manufacturing industries. What started as a handful of families clinging to familiar traditions soon blossomed into a thriving ethnic enclave. Tight-knit Italian neighborhoods like Brooklyn, Bucks Hill, and Town Plot quickly emerged, becoming epicenters of a reinvented "La Piccola Italia." Immigrant social clubs, mutual aid societies, and Catholic parishes like Our Lady of Lourdes became the anchors helping transplanted Italians recreate a sense of community and heritage. As their ranks swelled, Italian-Americans worked diligently to establish themselves, building businesses and making their mark on Waterbury's economic and civic fabric. Names like Perugini, Rinaldi, LaRosa, and Pontelandolfo became synonymous with entrepreneurial success stories. Meanwhile, the exquisite Renaissance-inspired architecture of places like Silas Bronson Library and the Apicella Building stood as testament to the talents of Italian artisans and craftsmen. Food inevitably became a focal point of Italian culture's imprint on Waterbury. Family-run bakeries, markets, and eateries served as gathering places while keeping alive cherished culinary traditions. The scents of knot-shaped taralli crackers, fresh ciliegine, and hearty pasta al forno still linger in memory for many. Of course, no discussion of Waterbury's Italian food heritage is complete without mentioning the city's famous apizza - a revered regional variety of Neapolitan-style pizza. Beyond the aromas and flavors, the unmistakable sounds and sights of Italian celebrations added annual flair to the community's vibrance. The crowning jewel remains the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which sees the streets transformed into a festive, colorful gala. Locals fondly recall years of the bucolic ritual of fishing families parading a statue of "La Madonna" through the Brooklyn neighborhood to commemorate an answered prayer sparing Waterbury's immigrants from natural disaster. While decades have passed since those first Italian pioneers settled in the city, their descendants remain committed to honoring and uplifting their heritage. Organizations like UNICO, the Sons and Daughters of Italy, and micro-community groups like the Pontelandolfesi Social Club take great pride in passing down customs, dialect, traditions and recipes to future generations. Their efforts ensure the indelible Italian spirit remains deeply woven into Waterbury's social tapestry. From the businesses, architecture, and pageantry they've bestowed to the very cadence of daily life, Italian-Americans have left an immeasurable imprint on Waterbury's story. This community's profound cultural gifts and persevering, hardworking ethos will continue shaping the city's identity for years to come. 2019 Ponte AwardsThe Annual Columbus Day Awards Dinner at Waterbury's Pontelandolfo Community Club honored several deserving awardees.
The banquet recipients if the Italian Heritage Award, at the club's la Bella Vista, include:
About Bocce
Did You Know?As early as the year 1894, the Italians "considerably outnumber" representatives of "earlier American stock", according to The Town and City of Waterbury.
Sources
Italian Publications in Waterbury
Il Progresso di Waterbury Amici Italian Associations in Waterbury In the year 1910, there were at least 17 established Italian associations in Waterbury. In the year 2010, that number was reduced to about half of the previous number. Italian Organizations
Southington Italian Festival ContinuesThe annual Italian Festival in Southington, on Center Street, which is sponsored by the Sons of Italy in cooperation with UNICO, continues today, July 27th, 2014, until 6:00 p.m. New vendors and amusements added to the annual affair. The Southington chapter of the Sons of Italy remains open to member throughout the weekend. Festa di San Donato, Pontelandolfo Community Club, Waterbury The Pontelandolfo Community Club of Waterbury is sponsoring their annual feast in honor of the patron saint of Pontelandolfo, Province of Benevento, Italy, San Donato. The festival will be held on the grounds of the Ponte Club at 380 Farmwood Rd in Waterbury from July 31 through August 3. It features Italian food, live music, entertainment, pastries, soccer game, vendors and the procession. Admission to the festival is free. The charge for parking is $5. See attached brochure. St. Jude Parish Italian Festival, Monroe The St. Jude Parish of Monroe is sponsoring an Italian festival on the parish grounds on Rt. 111 in Monroe from August 20 - 23. The festival features rides, games, 50/50 raffles, live entertainment, Jennie's speciality Italian foods, Luigi's Pastries, and more. Admission and parking are free. See attached brochure. Oakville/Watertown Chapter of UNICO National Clambake, Oakville The Oakville/Watertown Chapter of UNICO National is sponsoring their annual clambake on Sunday, September 7 from 10 am - 4pm at the Cercemaggiore Club at 550 Sylvan Lake Rd in Oakville, CT. The cost is $30 and this is a rain or shine event. The menu boasts a variety of breakfast, bbq and seafood items for the whole family. See attached brochure. Italian-Owned Businesses
Aldo of Italy (203) 755-0041 117 Sharon Rd, Waterbury, CT Antonio's Pizza & Deli (203) 754-8107 3005 E Main St, Waterbury, CT Aventura (under new ownership) Baccos Restaurant (203) 755-1173 1230 Thomaston Ave, Waterbury, CT Bertucci's (203) 755-6224 495 Union St, Waterbury, CT Caffe Italia (203) 757-5320 1556 N Main St, Waterbury, CT Cavallo's Imported Italian Food (203) 753-8425 1892 E Main St, Waterbury, CT D'Amelio's Italian Eatery (203) 755-0261 718 Highland Ave, Waterbury, CT Diorio's Restaurant and Bar (203) 754-5111 231 Bank St, Waterbury, CT Domenic & Pia's East Main Street Domenic's & Vinnie's Wolcott Street Domino's Pizza (203) 755-8110 77 Meriden Rd, Waterbury, CT Drescher's (203) 573-1743 25 Leavenworth St, Waterbury, CT Giovanni's Restaurante (203) 574-1041 1622 Thomaston Ave, Waterbury, CT Hills Restaurant, The (203) 755-1331 660 Park Rd, Waterbury, CT John's Apizza (203) 754-8292 57 Woodtick Rd, Waterbury, CT La Tavola (203) 755-2211 702 Highland Ave, Waterbury, CT Mario's Pizza (203) 575-0485 1650 Watertown Ave, Waterbury, CT Nardelli's Grinder Shoppe Nino's Trattoria (203) 757-9490 91 Scott Rd, Waterbury, CT Nona Lucia's Olive Garden (203) 597-0775 495 Union St, Waterbury, CT Paisano's Restaurant (203) 757-2629 538 Meriden Rd, Waterbury, CT Pucci's (203) 757-4266 728 Highland Ave, Waterbury, CT Ristorante Aurora (203) 753-2100 2 E Aurora St, Waterbury, CT Russo's Restaurant (203) 753-0066 816 Hamilton Ave, Waterbury, CT San Marino Ristorante Italiano (203) 755-1148 111 Thomaston Ave, Waterbury, CT Tiramisu Italian Restaurant (203) 754-2220 3670 E Main St, #6, Waterbury, CT Vincenzo's Pizzeria (203) 574-5300 752 Highland Avenue, Waterbury, CT Whooster Pizza & Pasta (203) 755-5013 715 Lakewood Rd, Waterbury, CT Zias Cucina (203) 596-3632 14 Cherry St, Waterbury, CT |
Related Pages
Decades of Contribution to WaterburyThe Italians of Waterbury have been dubbed as the
most prolific immigrant population ever, in the history of Waterbury.
Immigration in Connecticut - CTHumanities Project 
Ignominious
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Natale nel Cuore: Calls for Return
The first-ever Italian Christmas Concert at Waterbury's Mattatuck Museum attracted hundreds. The "Natale nel Cuore" (Christmas in the Heart) featured traditional Italian Christmas masterpieces and original works by the famed Michael Castaldo - a smooth, accomplished, and versatile tenor. Classic Italian Christmas treasures were also performed by Waterbury native Marissa Famiglietti, who mesmerized the theater patrons. Both Castaldo and Famiglietti serenaded only in Italian, and performed mostly in solo. Castaldo often encouraged the audience to participate, in his signature charismatic and endearing way. He and Famiglietti united for a few emotional vintage melodies, bringing the spirited crowd to its feet several times.
"Truly amazing", "I hope they do it again next year", "this was really fantastic", said several museum guests as they exited. Several people murmured calls for this to become an annual Christmas tradition.
The first-ever Italian Christmas Concert at Waterbury's Mattatuck Museum attracted hundreds. The "Natale nel Cuore" (Christmas in the Heart) featured traditional Italian Christmas masterpieces and original works by the famed Michael Castaldo - a smooth, accomplished, and versatile tenor. Classic Italian Christmas treasures were also performed by Waterbury native Marissa Famiglietti, who mesmerized the theater patrons. Both Castaldo and Famiglietti serenaded only in Italian, and performed mostly in solo. Castaldo often encouraged the audience to participate, in his signature charismatic and endearing way. He and Famiglietti united for a few emotional vintage melodies, bringing the spirited crowd to its feet several times.
"Truly amazing", "I hope they do it again next year", "this was really fantastic", said several museum guests as they exited. Several people murmured calls for this to become an annual Christmas tradition.
Italian Feast Ends
WATERBURY: Once again, the Festa di San Donato is a remarkable success. The native Italian language can be heard by people of all ages throughout the premises. Music mixed with food, as everyone celebrates the American and Italian confluence. The weather - which was seemingly custom ordered for the event - was all but perfect.
Read more about Greater Waterbury's Italian Festivals. Italian FestivalsANSONIA:
August 8th, 9th, & 10th Italian Festival - Father Salemi Drive, Ansonia Italians on the Radio
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Italian Christmas ConcertWATERBURY: Re-seated Alderman Jerry Padula, a descendant of both Italy and Lebanon, has arranged for an amazing Italian Christmas Concert to take place at one of Waterbury's famous museums.
On Sunday, December 15th, 2013, "Natale nel Cuore" (Christmas in Your Heart), an Italian Christmas Concert with amazing talent Micheal Castaldo and special guest Marissa Famiglietti will awe many of the City's Italian-Americans and American-Italians. The concert begins at 3:00 p.m. at the Mattatuck Museum in Downtown Waterbury. The Emcee is Jim Masters (star of WTNH-TV Channel 8, CPTV, and PBS). Tickets are now available! For more information, go to the Italian Culture page. Members: $20, Non-members $25 A limited number of VIP Seat are available for $30. Join us for a holiday celebration with classical crossover tenor and light Italian opera singer, songwriter, composer and music producer Michéal Castaldo. An Italian-born Canadian who currently resides in New York, Castaldo studied voice with Maestro Pisapia, a protégé of the great Italian operatic tenor, Enrico Caruso. Castaldo studied at Oakwood Collegiate Institute in Toronto and Berklee College of Music in Boston. Visit www.michaelcastaldo.com for more information. To RSVP, please call (203) 753-0381, ext. 110 or 130. Date:December 15th, 2013 Time:3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Location: 144 West Main Street. Waterbury, CT 06702 Email: sharris@mattatuckmuseum.org Event Fee(s): Members in Advance$ 15.00 Non-members in Advance$ 20.00 V.I.P. Seating (Front Rows)$ 30.00 |
