Heritage Calabria: Preserving the Past, Building the Future

TORONTO – It is not just about cuisine and popular folklore, but culture in its broadest sense, to be transformed into nourishment for future generations. This is the philosophy behind “Heritage Calabria”, a non-profit organization founded in 2019 with the goal of strengthening the sense of community, promoting Calabria’s cultural heritage, and building connections between Calabria and Canada, while seeking new ways to rediscover one’s identity and turn it into a future: a shared future, overcoming the divisions that have unfortunately always characterized the Italian diaspora in Canada.

The founder and president of “Heritage Calabria” is Luciano Schipano, a chef and entrepreneur in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Born in Canada and raised in Calabria, Luciano eventually returned to Toronto, where he developed several successful ventures, both in the restaurant industry—he also manages the food & beverage services at the Queen City Yacht Club through Luciano’s on the Lake—and in culinary tourism in Italy through Luciano’s Travel and Calabria Culinary Tours. And then, of course, Heritage Calabria, a “movement” – as he himself likes to define it – that does not want simply to preserve the past, but seeks to keep it alive through cultural initiatives and projects aimed also at younger generations.

Schipano, why “Heritage Calabria”?
“We felt the need to create a stronger sense of community and, above all, to learn more about our history. Calabria has an enormous heritage, but often, when it is discussed outside the region, the conversation stops at food, wine and family. These are important elements, of course, but there is so much more. Heritage Calabria was created to explore this richness and build connections between Calabrians in Canada and those in Calabria. Unfortunately, the Italian community here is divided: that is a fact. We want to help bring it together by celebrating the greatness of its culture, which goes far beyond a table filled with food.”

So your challenge is to move beyond stereotypes?
“Exactly. Food is an extraordinary gateway to culture, but it cannot be the only one. We want to talk about history, art, architecture, traditions, religion, language, and everything that has contributed to shaping Italian identity in general and Calabrian identity in particular. Calabria has an ancient and complex history, with roots that also reach back to Magna Graecia. Our task is to tell that story in its entirety. And that, after all, is the deeper meaning of ‘heritage’: receiving something and taking responsibility for passing it on. I don’t believe cultural heritage should be placed under a glass bell. Culture changes and evolves. Calabrian culture, too, has been transformed by the many civilizations and cultures that have passed through the region. We must preserve our roots, but also allow younger generations to learn about them and reinterpret them. Especially abroad. We are trying to do that here in Canada, from Toronto all the way to Vancouver, where we have just opened a new chapter.”

You mentioned language: what role can the Italian language play in all of this?
“An essential one. In June 2025, Heritage Calabria donated $5,000 to the Italia Lingua Cultura association, supporting initiatives promoting Italian language and culture in schools within the York Catholic District School Board. For us, language is much more than words and grammar: it is belonging, identity, one of the most important tools for passing values, traditions and stories from one generation to the next.”

“When we decided to support Italia Lingua Cultura, we did not see that donation simply as a financial contribution. We wanted to send a clear message: investing in the Italian language means investing in our young people and in the future of our culture. I was born in Canada and grew up in Italy, so I have had the opportunity to experience both realities. I know how powerful a language can be in creating a connection with one’s roots. And in bringing together a community that has been divided for far too long.”

Rediscover and Reconnect, then – just like the slogan of Heritage Calabria. printed on the T-shirt that Luciano proudly wears.

In the pic at the top of the article, Luciano Schipano at Corriere Canadese and here below with the publisher of the Corriere Canadese, the Hon. Joe Volpe, and Maria Iafrate of “Italia Lingua Cultura”

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Annual Gala returns to Paradise Banquet Hall on November 6, supporting Italian-language education and the next generation of Italian Canadians

TORONTO – Heritage Calabria will host its 2026 Gala Awards Night on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Paradise Banquet Hall in Vaughan, bringing together members of the Italian-Canadian community, business leaders, cultural figures, dignitaries and supporters for an evening dedicated to celebrating achievement, community service and the enduring heritage of Calabria.

The annual Gala is one of Heritage Calabria’s signature initiatives and reflects the organization’s mission to rediscover, reconnect and preserve Calabrian identity in Canada while ensuring that its traditions, history and values are carried forward by future generations.

Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for a cocktail reception and antipasto bar. The formal program will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the Canadian and Italian national anthems and an official toast, followed by a sit-down dinner, special remarks and the 2026 awards ceremony.

This year, Heritage Calabria will recognize individuals whose leadership, professional accomplishments, cultural contributions and service have made a meaningful impact in Canada.

The President’s Award will be presented to Lenny Lombardi of CHIN Radio/TV International, recognizing his contribution to multicultural broadcasting and the continuation of an extraordinary Italian-Canadian media legacy as CHIN marks its 60th anniversary.

Silvana Tibollo, President of the National Congress of Italian-Canadians, will receive the Community Service Excellence Award in recognition of her longstanding leadership and commitment to preserving and advancing Italian-Canadian heritage.

Broadcaster Tony Monaco of Z103.5 will receive the Artistic Excellence Award, celebrating his decades-long career in Canadian radio, his contribution to music and entertainment, and his continued engagement with charitable and community initiatives.

The Business Excellence Award will be presented to Mario Volpentesta, a Vaughan-area real estate professional originally from Cosenza, Calabria, whose professional journey and community presence reflect the entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic that have characterized generations of Calabrians in Canada.

The Next Generation Award will recognize Vincent Atisano, known artistically as YCV, for using contemporary music and digital media to connect a younger generation with Italian identity, culture and heritage.

The evening will also culminate with the presentation of the Calabrese of the Year 2026, following Heritage Calabria’s community nomination and selection process.

“Heritage Calabria was created because preserving our heritage cannot simply mean remembering where we came from,” said Luciano Schipano, President of Heritage Calabria, community leader and advocate for the preservation of Calabrian heritage. “We have a responsibility to make our history, traditions and values relevant to the generations growing up here in Canada. The Gala allows us to recognize people who have achieved remarkable things, but it also gives our community an opportunity to come together, celebrate our identity and invest in its future.”

Schipano added: “Calabrians have made significant contributions to the economic, cultural and social fabric of Canada. We want our children and grandchildren to understand that story and to be proud of it. Heritage is not something that should remain in the past—it must be passed forward.”

The 2026 Gala will also continue Heritage Calabria’s commitment to education and community giveback. Funds raised will support initiatives dedicated to the teaching and preservation of the Italian language, including Heritage Calabria’s support for Italia Lingua Cultura and Italian-language education within the York Catholic District School Board, as well as the organization’s $1,000 Sal Ritacca Bursary supporting Leonardo Da Vinci Academy.

Through cultural events, educational initiatives, community partnerships and recognition programs, Heritage Calabria continues to strengthen connections between Calabria and Canada and to provide opportunities for younger generations to discover the history, traditions and identity of their families.

The Heritage Calabria Gala Awards Night 2026 takes place Friday, November 6, 2026, at Paradise Banquet Hall in Vaughan. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the formal program beginning at 7:00 p.m. (for Gala information and tickets, visit HeritageCalabria.com)

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