Little Italy Stories

By Raphael Umphres-Piscitelli

Belonging is arguably the most essential need a person has in this life: the need for a family, for a home; for a community. For us at Convivio, and so many in San Diego, Little Italy is our home, where the streets seem to know our names.

During the 2025 Little Italy Art Walk, at the Convivio Booth, we had several historical photographs including group portraits of local Tuna crews. A woman walked past, stopped, did a double take and exclaimed: “That’s a photo of my grandfather!” A lovely conversation followed, about her childhood in the neighborhood and what Little Italy means to her: everything. Little Italy was the place where her Nonno and Nonna met, and is a place that no matter where she is in the world, she will always want to come back to.

Our imagination peaked. How many people met their significant other on a date in Little Italy? How many friendships blossomed at Washington Elementary, how many people found comfort at Our Lady of the Rosary, or any number of places in the neighborhood?

This month, Convivio invites you to share your story with us. We want to hear your little Italy memories, learn your names, and invite you over for a coffee.

If you’d like to share, email us your story with the subject “Little Italy Stories” followed by your name. The best address ciao@conviviosociety.org. We look forward to hearing from you!