ICCA - Little Italy, Cleveland

The ICCA, Italian Conversation and Cultural Association, started twenty years ago, in 2006, after a group of parishioners and friends of Holy Rosary Church toured Northern and Southern Italy under the organization and guidance of Fr. Philip Rocco, former pastor of the parish. During our visit, a small group observed several festivals where natives wore traditional attire honoring their region and local specialties expressed through the types of fabrics, laces, colors and cultural designs of the costumes.

Fr Rocco suggested we re-create costumes fashioned in traditional attire from each of the twenty-one provinces of Italy. Over the past twenty years, through our fundraising efforts and the help of members who volunteered their time and expertise, we successfully raised enough money to research and hand-make costumes from all of the country's regions! This year, we have approximately fifty costumes in the collection, including significant costumes of several key Italian cities known for their historic contribution to the culture. Our collection ranges from adults, teens, pre-teen and young children's outfits to compliment the series.

The majority of costumes were inspired by traditional and authentic regional dolls from Italy. All of the designs were kept as true to the original style of the area, designs, colors and fabrics as possible, maintaining the integrity of the period and geographic location of the region. The style of the ICCA collection dates back to the early 1700's.

Originally, the costumes were created for the annual August 15th celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother at Holy Rosary Church. However, several of the costumes are requested to be worn at special events throughout the year in the Greater Cleveland and surrounding areas. Periodically, the costumes can be seen on display at Little Italy's Historical neighborhood. Eventually, we hope to donate several of the former costumes to University Circle museums' permanent collection.

The ICCA's mission over the next three years is to align with other European and Italian-American Organizations, Clubs and University programs, in the surrounding areas, to educate and raise cultural awareness of this rich heritage to both the Italian and non-Italian community. Our plan is to partner with existing groups as well as expand the ICCA, through future conversation, language, dance and cultural programs.

To continue and grow, we are requesting a tax deductible donation through GoFundMe to:
1) repair several of the regional costumes in desperate need after twenty years, 2) design and create 2-3 more regional outfits to expand the collection, 3) begin a series of affordable workshops, classes and cultural events for educational and social purposes (both online and in person events).

For more information please contact Dina Vitantonio Monica, or Patty.

And look for the ICCA members throughout the Columbus Day weekend, October 7th & 8th, 6:00 -10:00pm, October 9th 12:00-2:00pm and 4:00-8:00pm in Little Italy, Cleveland Ohio.  We will be selling Red-White and Green bandanas to help fund our upcoming initiatives.  We would be happy to discuss and share our stories!

Thank You in advance for your support and consideration. Please forward this GoFundMe link to any and all persons who may be interested in our efforts.

Thank You Kindly,
Dina Vitantonio and the ICCA members:
Jean Vitantonio, Research & Chair for Events and Coordination
Barbara Mongalluzzi, Research, Chair of Costume Production
Dina Vitantonio, Chair-Person for Fundraising, Events & Programs
Monica DiCorpo Rose, Fundraising & Special Events
Patty Puliafico, Fundraising & Special Events