When you think of Florida, the white sandy beaches and Caribbean blue water of Miami spring to mind, as does the richness of Hispanic culture. But it's also home to a thriving community of Italians, who have created their own Little Italy in the southwestern part of the state. So, while the ethnic enclave may not be as famous as New York's Mulberry Street, it’s still possible to find a taste of the home country in beautiful Tampa Bay.
Ybor City
During the 1880s, the city of Tampa was largely uninhabited, home to less than 1,000 people and living with a failing economy. What it did have was a primary port along with a brand new railroad line and a humid climate. This attracted Vicente Martinez Ybor, a cigar industry giant. Ybor City was founded in 1885 by the cigar manufacturers and annexed by Tampa in 1887.
Originally, Ybor City was predominantly Cuban and Spanish immigrants who worked in the cigar factories. After the tragic mass lynching of 1891, Italians moved out of New Orleans and came to Florida in droves. They brought their families with them, something that other immigrant groups hadn’t done before. Italian immigrants, mostly from Sicily, followed suit and began to open retail shops, farms and grocery stores, box factories, print shops, and other businesses that catered to the cigar industry. Italians started to settle in an area called “La Pachata,” later nicknamed “Little Italy.”
Italian Legacy
Italians in Tampa quickly realized they were stronger together and could overcome social and economic challenges that were facing Italian immigrants. This idea established a central location to bring the community together. The Italian Club was founded in 1894 with 116 Italians and 8 Spanish members. It was built to host weddings, corporate events, galas, parties, and more in the heart of Ybor City. The club is the city’s second mutual aid society, acting as a cornerstone for immigrant communities. It helped to provide basic needs of its members, including employment opportunities, health care, allowances for prescriptions, and assisting with burial insurance. The club also hosted social activities like sponsoring family picnics, parades, sporting competitions, and theater performances.
Italian Culture in Tampa Bay
The Italian Club of Tampa Bay hosts La Festa Italiana every year. The festival started in 1977 by L’Unione Italiana as a way to unite the Italian people of Tampa Bay. Itl begins in mid-April and showcases the best of Italian pride. It is also an event with opportunities to learn about Italian culture. The Bocce and Bellinis event is hosted in Centennial Park, where you can cheer for your favorite teams while enjoying delicious food from the Italian Club Cucina. At the Mercato Italiano, visitors can explore the flavors of Italy from the Tampa Bay area.
Winefest of Italy is Festa Italiana’s signature event. Over 100 different wines are available for sampling, as well as small plates from local restaurants. You can partake in the silent auction and peruse through the wine show to discover more of Italy’s best.
AJ Forrisi
Assistant Editor for America Domani, AJ Forrisi is a Brooklyn-based writer and photographer. His work focuses on food, travel, sports, landscapes, and urban scenes. You can find him on Instagram @aj.photo.works.