Ciao Philadelphia: Celebration of Italian culture

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- It's Italian American Heritage Month and to celebrate, there's a first-of-its kind event happening right now all over Philadelphia.

It's called Ciao Philadelphia.

It's a month-long series of more than 30 events at top institutions and the majority of them are free!

From operas to art, to architecture and food, a celebration of eight decades of Italian shoe design, and, of course, Italian sports cars.

Andrea Canepari, the Consul General of Italy in Philadelphia, recently kicked off the initiative with Mayor Michael Nutter.

He says it's all about honoring the rich culture and hard work of the Italian Americans that helped build this city.

"I think that Philadelphia is a wonderful place to have this sensation of Italian feeling.

Everybody loves Italy so let's give them an opportunity to be Italian for one month," Canepari said.

One of the roughly 30 events happening throughout the month is one very special to us at 6abc.

This Sunday I will be co-hosting the annual Columbus Day parade.

It airs live on 6abc from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

There's also a wonderful festival happening at Marconi Plaza all afternoon; from food to music, it's a great day.

Stop by and say hi to us.

For the full list of Ciao Philadelphia events: http://ciaophiladelphia.com/