The 26th Week of the Italian Language in the World is taking place from October 19 to 23. The theme of the 2026 edition, “Creative Language: Conceiving, Designing, Creating in Italian,” offers an opportunity to recognize and celebrate a language that has given voice to some of the most renowned works of literature, theater, and music.
The celebrations in San Francisco began on Tuesday, October 20, at La Scuola International School and Teatro Casa Fugazi, with remarks by Leonardo Nasi, Vice Consul and Head of Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco. Speaking on behalf of Consul General Massimo Carnelos, he emphasized the importance of celebrating a language with deep ties to San Francisco and its community.
Daniela Mazza, Head of the Education Office at the Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco, brought the theatrical production “Colpi di Maschera” to the city. The show was directed by Antonio Adobati, a former student of Gigi Proietti, and Domenico Piscopo, both commedia dell’arte actors from the Italian theater scene. The opening performance took place at Teatro Casa Fugazi before an audience of more than 300 students and teachers from schools across the area: La Scuola International School, Saints Peter and Paul Elementary School, Lowell High School, Burlingame High School, and South San Francisco High School.
The following day, the play was performed entirely in Italian at Stanford University, in collaboration with The Leonardo da Vinci Society. The performance provided an opportunity for connection and cultural exchange, welcoming both the university and the wider Silicon Valley communities.
The Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco is honored to have celebrated the Italian language during this special week dedicated to its unique character and expressive power. It extends its heartfelt thanks to the Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco and the Italian American organizations Italian Community Services, The Leonardo da Vinci Society, and Museo Italo Americano for their support in organizing the events.
