On Wednesday, October 15, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz hosted a festive event that attracted hundreds of celebrants to Borough Hall to observe Italian-American Heritage Month. BP Markowitz honored Monsignor David L. Cassato, pastor, St. Athanasius Church and NYPD chaplain; Patricia M. Di Mango, Justice of the Supreme Court, Kings County; and the Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn.

Dignitaries included Francesco M. Talo, Consul General of Italy in New York, and the Italian Heritage & Culture Month Committee of New York, Inc.

The event also featured the singing of the United States and Italian National Anthems and other musical performances, including two folkloristic groups performing traditional Italian folk numbers. Following the ceremony inside the Courtroom, a reception was held in the Rotunda, featuring Italian culinary delights from renowned Brooklyn eateries, music and a performance of the tarantella.

The event’s emcee was Marty’s chief of staff, proud Italian-American Carlo Scissura.

Brooklyn has one of the largest Italian-American populations in North America, and BP Markowitz celebrates the history, culture and contributions of a community vital to the past and future of the borough.