Little Italy (Chicago)

As Little Italy, a neighborhood of Chicago is referred to, has become synonymous with the Mafia in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s.

History

In the 1920s, many immigrants came to America from Italy. Most of them came originally from Sicily, Calabria, Puglia or from Naples. Many settled in Chicago or New York.

One of the most famous Italian-Americans was from Naples native Alfonso Capone, better known as Al Capone, head of the Chicago outfit of La Cosa Nostra.

Little Italy today

In Little Italy Chicago lived in the 1990s, about 1,280 Italians and Italian-Americans. The number of citizens of Italian origin declined steadily thereafter, there were in 2000 only 1,018 citizens.

The dining options in Little Italy is mainly determined by pizzerias and restaurants, so today most famous restaurant is Maggiano's.

Festivals in Little Italy

Both in Little Italy Chicago, as well as Little Italy in New York, the Feast of the Holy Januarius ( Festa di San Gennaro ) is celebrated annually on September 19. On this special day the Italians celebrate the folk dance Tarantella.

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