Italian Cultural Association
The Italian Cultural Association is a student organization officially recognized by Cal Poly University. It was established in 2018 by a group of very motivated students who are passionate about Italian language and culture. The main objectives of the club are to support the Italian Studies Program, to facilitate social and cultural exchange, and to enrich the education of students specializing in Italian by extending their experience beyond the constraints of the classroom. You can get in contact with the Italian club by visiting the website: https://calpolyitalian.wixsite.com/cpitalian, or by email calpolyitalian@gmail.com.
Check us out on Instagram
@italian.calpoly
#CALPOLYITALIAN
RSO Mailing Address
Italian Cultural Association
1 Grand Ave.
Club Mailbox #58
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0675
Thank you to the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles for generously offering to cover the textbook expenses of our Intermediate Italian 202 class in winter 2020!
Italian Cultural Association Officers
- President: Lilli Barbaduomo
- Vice President: Bryanna Gay
- Treasurer: Michael Guidi
- Secretary: Haley Taylor
- Social Outreach: Kyle Lynch
- Faculty Advisor: Teresiana Matarrese
Italian Cultural Association Events
Winter 2020 events are marked with an asterisk*
Italian Conversation Table*
Weekly meeting to practice conversational skills. All levels welcome! Learn more.
Picnic at Pismo Beach*
We will buy lunch at DePalo & Sons, an Italian grocery store in Pismo, and enjoy a beautiful day by the ocean. Che divertimento!
Day: Friday, January 24th
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Pismo Beach
Dinner at Mama's Meatballs*
Enjoy food, culture and friends!
Day: Wednesday, January 29th
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Mama’s Meatballs
Bocce Tournament*
The classic Italian back-yard game, Bocce is a ball sport invented in Italy, which takes its name from the plural of boccia (bowl). This game was initially played among Italian migrants, who would use it as a way to socialize with other Italians living away from home, but has now become more popular among the wider community. It’s simple to learn, lots of fun, and a great occasion to learn and use new Italian expressions!
Day: Thursday, January 29th
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Language Lab
Brunch at Café Perfetto*
Day: Sunday, February 9th
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Café Perfetto
San Valentino Celebration*
Day: Thursday, February 13th
Time: 11 a.m. (during Conversation Club)
Location: Language Lab
Other Events
Liberation Day (25th of April)
Every year on April 25th Italy commemorates the anniversary of the end of the Nazi-Fascist occupation during World War II, and the victory of the Italian Resistance. At Cal Poly we will read accounts of the resistance fighters and we will sing songs of the Italian resistance against Fascism. Come learn about a crucial period in Italy’s modern history, which continues to shape Italian identity.
Day: April 25th
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Pasquetta
Each year in Italy, on the day after Easter, Italians get together with their friends to enjoy food, games and the outdoors, in a tradition known as Pasquetta. Businesses and schools are closed and the cities empty out. At Cal Poly we are going to plan our own Pasquetta get-away.
Movie Screening
The club and professors will host screenings of some of the best movies in the history of Italian cinema, right here on campus. Stay tuned for dates and film titles.
Espresso Demonstration
The Italian Cultural Association will host an espresso-making demonstration. First thing to know: it’s pronounced “ess-presso” not “ex-presso”. You’ll learn how to make your own espresso and cappuccino the authentic Italian way, and have a chance to sample other traditional Italian treats!
Italian Cards Game Tournament
Learn about popular Italian card games and try your skills and luck in our tournament. You’ll also learn about traditional Neapolitan cards- which have different suits and pictures than the conventional poker-deck you’re familiar with, and which has been a part of the culture of Naples for centuries.