Two Worlds, One Heart: Gino’s Journey from Calabria to BC. Gino’s story begins in Grimaldi, Calabria. In 1952, he was just a child when he boarded a ship with his mother and sister to join his father, who had moved to Canada two years earlier to pave the way. They set sail on November 10th […]
italian immigrant stories
Stories of Belonging: Enzina
From Mergellina to Vancouver: Enzina’s Story Enzina was just eleven years old when she left Mergellina, Naples. She arrived in Canada with her parents and brother, leaving behind everything she knew for a life that, at first, felt completely foreign. She’ll tell you herself—she didn’t like it in the beginning. It was too cold, […]
Stories of Belonging: Rossana
Celebrating Friendship and Heritage: Rossana I met Rossana four years ago through my cookbook, and from that very moment, we became instant friends. Rossana is from Bergamo and I am from Valtellina; right away, we discovered how much we share—our roots, our love for Italian traditions, and our joy in creating memories together. Since then, […]
Stories of belonging: Italo Bonetti
Italo Bonetti – A Life of Courage, Family, and Italian Tradition Italo Bonetti’s journey from Valtellina to Vancouver is a powerful Italian immigrant story rooted in courage, family, and tradition. He arrived in Canada in 1954, leaving behind his small hometown in Valtellina, Northern Italy. Back home, he worked in a factory—steady, honest work, like […]
Stories of Belonging: Nonna Angelina
From Alife to Vancouver, with Love. I met Nonna Angelina at one of the monthly gatherings at the Italian Cultural Centre, and we connected instantly. She began telling me about her deep love for food and how much joy she finds in cooking for her family. I felt an immediate bond, and we quickly made […]
Stories Of Belonging: Nonna Eleonora
From Lanciano to Vancouver: Nonna Eleonora’s Journey and Her Holiday Recipes A Story of Migration, Memory, and Italian Tradition Nonna Eleonora was born in Lanciano, a historic town in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo. Her life has been a journey across oceans and continents, always rooted in the traditions of her Italian heritage. In 1966, […]
Stories of Belonging: Nonna Maria
From Bella to Canada: Nonna Maria’s Journey and Her Beloved Ricotta Recipe A Story of Italian Immigration, Family, and Resilience Maria was born in Bella, a picturesque town nestled in the province of Potenza, Southern Italy. In 1957, at just thirteen years old, she embarked on a life-changing journey to Canada—a voyage that would shape […]
Stories of Belonging
Hello and welcome to my new space, Stories of Belonging! 🌿 This project was born from my curiosity and love for the stories of Italian families in Vancouver. Here, I’ll be interviewing Italian grandparents and Italian immigrants, people who have crossed oceans and generations, carrying with them traditions, recipes, and memories that tell their story—and […]
Ciao! I'm Mamma Marzia
Born in Naples and raised in northern Italy, I brought my passion for authentic Italian cooking to Vancouver in 2003. What began as a single lasagna class has grown into Bella Cibo ("Beautiful Food"), where I share my family's treasured recipes and traditions. Here you'll find recipes and tips for bringing Italian flavors to your home. Join me in the kitchen where we learn, laugh, and create beautiful meals with heart!