Growing up Italian American in Naples

Growing up in southern Italy, in the charming coastal town of Monte di Procida, Naples, was like living in a bubble. The small town, nestled along the beautiful coastline of the Bay of Naples, provided the perfect backdrop for a childhood filled with endless summers, beach days, and a close-knit community. Monte di Procida, with its picturesque views and Mediterranean breeze, is the type of place where traditions run deep, and family ties are everything. It was the Italy many dream of — but with an American twist, thanks to my mom, who was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York.

For me, my childhood was a blend of the best of both worlds. On one hand, I was surrounded by the rich Italian customs that defined life in southern Italy — the festivals, the food, and the incredible sense of family that binds every Italian household. I remember the excitement of Ferragosto on August 15th, one of the biggest holidays in my hometown, where the streets would fill with music, food, and fireworks as locals celebrated in true Italian fashion. Christmas was another time of deep connection, both with family and tradition, when we would come together to share delicious meals, recreate the nativity scene (Presepe), make biscotti and rococò with my nonno and celebrate the holiday with all the pomp and circumstance Italy is known for.

My mom, on the other hand, was determined to make sure I didn’t miss out on the American side of things. Growing up in Italy in the early 2000s, you didn’t often see American traditions such as Halloween or Easter egg hunts. Yet my mom insisted we celebrate these holidays in our own Italian-American way. She would send me to school with a pumpkin to carve with my classmates for Halloween, an activity that was unheard of for most kids in Monte di Procida (making me the coolest kid in pre-k).

At Easter, instead of just a traditional colomba (the Italian Easter cake), I’d be eagerly waiting for the Easter egg hunt, just like kids back in the States. I remember the joy of both traditions — the Italian and the American — mixing seamlessly in my childhood, creating memories that are still with me today, such as hand painting the Easter eggs in the kitchen with my mom and sister.

Family was always at the heart of everything. In my home, being Italian-American wasn’t just about the traditions or the holidays. It was a way of life. My dad, who was born and raised in Naples, passed down the quintessential Italian values: respect for elders, the unspoken rule that family comes first, and the art of living “piano piano” (slowly). One of the greatest gifts my mom gave me was the ability to speak both English and Italian fluently. She was firm about speaking only in English to me, even though we lived in Italy. As a result, I grew up speaking English at home, surrounded by the familiar words and phrases of my mom’s New York upbringing (I still have to watch myself as words such as “cowfee” and “dawg” still come out from time to time). Meanwhile, going to school in Italy meant I quickly picked up the local language — Italian — with its own rich expressions, slang, and dialect.

Growing up Italian-American also meant experiencing things my peers had no idea existed like bagels, chicken parm, stuffed baked clams, or American foods such as peanut butter, Reese’s Pieces, and Doritos…things we would have shipped for special occasions like birthday parties, making me, once again, a pretty cool kid.

Having family in the States also meant often traveling back to the U.S to spend time with them. With my mom's Brooklyn roots, we always had a strong connection to New York, but over the years, I’ve built friendships all over the United States.

The experience of constantly moving between two places, two cultures, and two ways of life has profoundly shaped who I am today and the perspectives and insights I’ve gained along the way. Traveling back and forth between Italy and the U.S. has taught me to appreciate the nuances of both cultures, giving me a deeper understanding of the values that define each.

Growing up, my family and I were fortunate enough to experience the warmth and friendliness of the American community in Naples thanks to the nature of my dad’s real estate business.
From being invited to celebrate the 4th of July at the Navy base to joining in on the fun of Trick or Treating at Carney Park, these experiences made us feel like part of the larger community, bridging the gap between two cultures. At the same time, I witnessed my dad’s interactions with the American military community—building relationships and meeting the specific needs of American clients, all while making them feel like they were truly part of the Italian community. He not only met their needs but also helped them connect with the local culture, making their experience in Naples more welcoming.

This bi-cultural experience is something I carry with me today in my own work. I can relate to both the American client looking to rent a home in Naples—someone who may be navigating the cultural nuances of living abroad—and the local landlord, whose perspective may differ based on the traditions and expectations of the Italian rental market.

Having grown up in both worlds, I have the advantage of understanding both sides, which allows me to bridge the gap and help both my American clients and Italian landlords find common ground. It’s not just about helping someone find a house; it’s about creating a connection between two cultures, ensuring that both parties feel understood and respected in the process.

Ultimately, by continuing the family business, my goal is not only to find my clients a house, but I work very hard to help them feel truly at home in Naples, making them feel like a part of the local community and embracing the unique lifestyle this city offers.