Come celebrate on March 9th at La Scala, International Woman's Day Italian Style, and learn why three Italian woman in 1946 post World War 11era chose the yellow Mimosa flower as a symbol of this special day, to commemorate and honor social, political and economic achievements of all woman. How Italy goes the extra mile in this celebration " Festa della Donna “ through teaching its origins, special food and drink and of course special songs for the day.
Join us this evening to honor all the woman in our lives, may it be sisters, wives, moms, coworkers and beyond to toast to them for all that they do.
Doors open at 6:00 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm brief intro and a video of Teresa Noce, Teresa Mattei and Rita Montagnana
Dinner will consist of salad, pasta, Eggplant Parmesan, Chicken Marsala, Sausage and Peppers, bread, coffee and dessert
Desert Torta Mimosa
$40 for members, $50 for non-members
All paid programs must be in advance
Ticket deadline extended to March 7th
Reserve your ticket(s) and then proceed to the cart to complete your purchase.
Tickets $40 for members
Tickets $50 for non-members
The History of La Festa della Donna
The 8th of March is International Women’s Day, known in Italy as La Festa della Donna. It began as a day of memory and protest of the tragic event in New York on March 8th, 1908 when the owner of a textile factory — where all the workers were women — blocked all of the exits to the factory and set the building on fire after the workers went on strike to protest the substandard conditions in which they were forced to work. The 129 factory workers trapped inside, for the most part Italian immigrants, all died.
In Italy, La Festa della Donna was first celebrated in 1922. However, it was only after the end of World War II that it truly became an important holiday. The Union of Italian Women declared that this special date, the 8th of March, should be set aside to celebrate womanhood across the country as women could finally vote and have a political career for the first time in the history of Italy.
Mimosa Blossoms
La Festa della Donna tends to be symbolic, even reminiscent of Mother’s Day as women across the country are gifted yellow mimosa blossoms to recognize women’s economic, political, and social achievements over the last century. Mimosas symbolize female solidarity. They were popularized by Teresa Mattei, who at one point was the national director of the Italian Women Union. Mimosas were chosen to ensure they were accessible to all, even those in more rural and impoverished areas. Originally, it was only men who gave mimosa blossoms, but now women give them to each other as well.
Things to Do on the South Shore
If you're looking for things to do in Braintree or on the South Shore of Boston, the Italian American Cultural Organization hosts regular events including cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, cultural programs, and social gatherings.