Italian-American Pride

But not all celebrations this weekend will focus on Native Americans or away from Columbus.

Those of Italian-American descent view Columbus Day as an integral part of their ethnic make-up.

Keohane says that Columbus Day was an important part of his childhood while growing up in East Boston.

"I grew up with Christopher Columbus, Christmas, turkey and the Easter bunny," Keohane says. "[Columbus Day] was just like Christmas; it came [only] once a year."

Cambridge City Councillor Anthony D. Gallucio adds that Columbus Day is not only a connection to his Italian-American heritage but also "a connection to his father," who came to America from Italy as a young boy.

To some, Columbus Day is more than a holiday; it has become a once-in-a-year opportunity to highlight their cultural heritage.

"[Columbus Day] celebrates and recognizes Christopher Columbus for his great accomplishments and navigational skills," Gallucio says, "but for Italian-Americans, it's [also] a day of pride for the accomplishments of Italian-Americans."

"Italian-Americans, like a lot of other ethnic groups, feel that they haven't been given enough recognition in this country and this is a day of great pride [for us]," Gallucio says.

Alfred E. Vellucci, former mayor of Cambridge and a member of the Cambridge chapter of the Sons of Italy, concurs.

"I feel that, being of Italian-American descent, all the Italian and Italian-Americans who live in Cambridge are proud of Columbus for discovering America," he says. "I feel that [Columbus Day] is quite important because it puts the spotlight on Italian-Americans in America, of which there are 20 million."

Gallucio says that the shift in recent years toward lesser recognition of Columbus Day is unwarranted.

"I think sometimes in our quest for equality and especially in a politically correct atmosphere like Cambridge. [these feelings abound]," Gallucio says. "However, I think there has to be a recognition of diversity, which means celebrating holidays of all ethnic, religious and racial [backgrounds]."

Citing the fact that Cambridge has no Columbus Day celebration, Gallucio added, "I always thought it was sort of hypocritical that in a city like Cambridge, where we supposedly celebrate diversity, we don't support each other's ethnic and religious views enough. I think quite often Cambridge does not celebrate the neighborhoods the way it should."

Columbus Day Celebrations