Little Italy, Wilmington, Delaware facts for kids

Little Italy is a special neighborhood located on the west side of Wilmington, Delaware. It's known for its strong connection to Italian-American culture. Imagine a place where many families have Italian roots, and you'll find Little Italy!

Exploring Little Italy

This vibrant neighborhood has clear borders. To the south, you'll find 4th Street. Union Street marks the west side, while Clayton Street is on the east. Pennsylvania Avenue forms the northern edge. Within these boundaries, you'll discover many businesses run by Italian-American families. These include popular restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Italian food.

The Heart of the Neighborhood: St. Anthony's Church

A very important place in Little Italy is St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church. This beautiful church is more than just a building. It also has a grade school. Nearby, but just outside Little Italy, is Padua Academy, another school connected to the church. St. Anthony's Church is a central gathering spot for the community.

The Italian Festival: A Big Celebration!

Every June, St. Anthony's Church hosts an amazing event called the Italian Festival. This week-long festival is a huge celebration of Italian culture! It's a time for fun, food, and music. You can try tasty Italian dishes and listen to lively music. There's also a midway with exciting rides and games. Many people enjoy playing games of chance right next to the church building. It's a fantastic way to experience Italian traditions.

A Story from Little Italy

In 2010, a special movie was made about the history of Little Italy in Wilmington and St. Anthony's Church. It was called Bells On The Hill. This film was 78 minutes long and told the story of the neighborhood. When it first showed at Theatre N in Wilmington, all the tickets sold out very quickly! The movie was written and directed by Gus Parodi and Matt Swift.