Happy New Year! As we look forward to another new year, please know we are thankful for all of our subscribers and advertisers. We hope 2025 brings you all happiness and success. If you have a story idea or would like to write for La Gazzetta Italiana, please contact Jennifer Spitalieri at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you know of a small business wishing to advertise, please share with me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. As we start off 2025 what better way than an article from 2019 on our wonderful Little Italy in Cleveland. It is the home of La Gazzetta and home to many of our memories. Please enjoy.
In 2019, La Gazzetta Italiana featured Little Italy’s all over the country. And where better place to start than in our hometown of Cleveland

Cleveland’s Little Italy centers around the historic section of Mayfield Rd. and Murray Hill. It is said that in the mid-1800s, Italian sculptor Giuseppe Carabelli began his famous granite and marble works at the top of the “hill” on Mayfield Rd. This area became home to many Italian immigrants and Little Italy was born.
In 1906, Angelo Vitantonio, a resident of Cleveland’s Murry Hill neighborhood, patented the first “official” pasta machine. By 1911, it was estimated that 96% of the inhabitants of this area were Italian-born and another 2% were of Italian parents. Tony Brush Park was dedicated in 1993 for the champion boxer and Little Italy resident Anthony Brescia.
Today, Little Italy draws thousands of visitors each year to its trendy art and dining experiences. Local organizations work to actively promote the Italian heritage and protect the cultural identity of the neighborhood. Cleveland’s Little Italy is truly an old-world neighborhood hosting many cultural events throughout the year; perhaps the most popular being the Feast of the Assumption each year in August.  The Columbus Day parade in October and the Taste of Little Italy in September draw thousands. Little Italy’s three Art Walks in June, October and December have been going on for over 30 years. And, while many Little Italy’s host bocce tournaments, Cleveland adds an additional bit of beauty and fun with Notte Bianca when restaurants and galleries light up the late-night skies giving visitors the chance to shop, wine and dine at some of the best local Italian restaurants around.
One of Cleveland’s most enduring ethnic neighborhoods, Little Italy is the epitome of Italian American culture.