On February 22, 2023, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) announced Emilia-Romagna as the 2023 Region of Honor. Each year, NIAF works with the Italian Region of Honor to promote its business, culture, and tourism in the United States. NIAF is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Italian American heritage and culture within the United States.
Emilia-Romagna will be honored at the NIAF 48th Anniversary Gala that will take place on October 14, 2023, in Washington, D.C. The Region of Honor will be visited in June in accordance with the NIAF Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery program. The program offers 48 Italian-American college students the opportunity to visit the region during a two-week trip that includes community service and cultural visits, according to NIAF.
“NIAF is thrilled to promote the beautiful region of Emilia-Romagna in America while strengthening our historical connections and business opportunities,” said NIAF Chairman Robert E. Carlucci. “Our Board is looking forward to meeting the President of the region, Stefano Bonaccini, as well as touring numerous cities including a visit to Reggio Emilia the birthplace of the Italian tricolor flag this summer.”
Emilia-Romagna is largely considered to be the gastronomic heart of Italy. It has more than 200 traditional products and 26 ingredients with geographically protected status, according to Eataly. The region’s low altitudes and dual mountain and coastal climates, results in fertile soil. Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiana, and Modena balsamic vinegar, arguably some of Italy’s most famous products, come from the region.
Emilia-Romagno is also home to internationally renowned Italian luxury sports cars, including Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Pagani, and Bugatti. All these companies have headquarters near the city of Modena, also known as “motor valley,” according to NIAF.
Asia London Palomba
Asia London Palomba is a trilingual freelance journalist from Rome, Italy. In the past, her work on culture, travel, and history has been published in The Boston Globe, Atlas Obscura,The Christian Science Monitor and Grub Street, New York Magazine's food section. In her free time, Asia enjoys traveling home to Italy to spend time with family and friends, drinking Hugo Spritzes, and making her nonna's homemade cavatelli.