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Discover Calabria
November 16, 2025 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Join us for another engaging Regional Sunday celebrating Calabria with Franco Cirelli, featuring authentic Calabrese food graciously donated by Dino Lettieri and wines sponsored by La Madonna Delle Grazie Società – Verbicaro/San Francisco.
This engaging presentation will delve into the fascinating history and culture of this southern Italian region, from theories on how the name “Italia” originated to the remarkable Calabrese figures who have left their mark on history.
Franco will explore Calabria’s cultural and leadership influences, provide an overview of its current economy, tourism, and demographic landscape, and highlight the deep connections between Calabria and the Bay Area.
Discover stories of immigration from towns like Verbicaro, learn about the Statue of La Madonna delle Grazie at Saints Peter and Paul Church and its annual festa, and celebrate notable Americans with Calabrese roots.
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Franco Cirelli Bio:
Franco Cirelli was born in Verbicaro, Calabria, and immigrated to San Francisco with his family when he was three. Over the years, he has returned often, traveling through the region’s enchanting towns and cities from San Nicola Arcella to Reggio Calabria.
Franco stays closely connected to his roots, keeping in touch with relatives and friends in Calabria and Calabresi abroad. His love for the region fuels his passion for its history, culture, and dialects—he delights in speaking Calabrese as much as Italian.
The Calabrese spirit thrives in his family’s Sonoma garden, where his parents grow tomatoes for their homemade sauce with handmade fusilli. Franco enjoys sharing traditional Calabrese meals paired with his favorite wines: Gaglioppo, Magliocco, Granaccia, and Greco bianco.
Franco and his wife Gabriella help organize the annual Feast of the Madonna of Divine Graces, patroness of Verbicaro, whose statue, donated after a miraculous healing, stands at Saints Peter and Paul Church. Each year, the community honors her with a mass and luncheon, most recently held at the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club.. Next year’s celebration on Saturday, June 27, 2026, starting with an 11 AM mass at Saints Peter and Paul. Tickets will be on sale in early 2026.
