IL PENSIERO “THE THOUGHT”
Office: 10001 Stonell Drive
Member of FUSIE (Federazione Italiana Stampa Unitaria all’Estero)
Settembre 2021 THE ONLY ITALIAN NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED IN THE STATE OF MISSOURI
An Italian American Publication
NUMERO 9
Labor Day by Courtney Kamm
Celebrated on the first Monday of September, Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. First created and celebrated during the labor movement in the late 19th century, Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894 and is celebrated this year on Monday, September 6. Labor Day is celebrated in cities and towns across the US with parades, picnics, barbecues, firework displays among other public gatherings. While this holiday is something many people look forward to, it often represents the end of summer and the start of the back-to-school season. Do you have fun Labor Day plans? Send us photos from your celebration to courtney@ilpensiero.net.
Feast of Saint Januarius by Courtney Kamm
Each year on September 19, many Italian Catholics take part in the Feast of Saint Januarius to honor the Patron Saint of Naples, Saint Januarius, a bishop and martyr born in the third century. In Italy, this day is known as La Festa di San Gennaro. What originally began as a one-day celebration became a massive festival that often spans several days. The feast not only contains delicious foods such as Italian sausages, pastas, and other delicacies, but also parades, games, and other fun-filled attractions. There are religious services
before and during the festivals, including candlelit processions and important church services. Although festivals like this are much more common throughout Italy, other festivals honoring Saint Januarius have been created throughout the years in the United States as well, giving those interested in Italian culture a chance to share in the experience.
UEFA Euro 2020 Champs! by Courtney Kamm
The 2020 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly referred to as UEFA Euro 2020, marked the 60th anniversary of the European Championship competition. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the games were postponed and took place in summer 2021 instead. Although the games were pushed back a full year, almost to the day, Italy went home champions after winning in the final round against England. The final game took place at Wembley Stadium in London on July 11, 2021 in front of a crowd of 67,173. This is Italy’s first major title since the 2006 FIFA World Cup and their first European Championship since 1968 where they won it on their own turf. Congratulations to the entire team!
September Equinox by Courtney Kamm
The September equinox is the moment
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when the sun appears to cross the celestial equator, heading southward, marking the point on the calendar in which the length of daylight and the length of nighttime are both exactly (or almost exactly) 12 hours. The September equinox will be the Autumnal Equinox, so days will begin to get shorter or the amount of daylight will begin to be less and less. This year, the September equinox will take place on Wednesday, September 22.
Vito’s Sicilian Pizzeria & Ristorante
by Courtney Kamm
Looking for a delicious, Italian homecooked meal? Check out Vito’s Sicilian Pizzeria & Ristorante! Vito’s is a familyowned and operated business serving award-winning pizza along with other delicious family recipes. Vito’s offers a comfortable atmosphere where friends and family may gather to enjoy all their tasty dishes or order takeout for delicious Italian food right at home. Open seven days a week, make sure to stop into Vito’s for their amazing happy hour menu or to grab a jar of Mama’s Sugo Sauce! Order online at vitosstl.com, and don’t forget National Cheese Pizza Day is September 5!
Rosh Hashanah by Courtney Kamm
Rosh Hashanah, which literally means “head of the year,” is the Jewish New Year. In 2021, it’s from the evenings of Sept. 6 and Sept. 8, respectively. The Continued on page 5