A society celebrating Italian language and culture based in Cork
The Cork Dante Alighieri Society was established in 1957 by Dr Piero Calì, then Professor of Italian at U.C.C. The objective of the Society is to promote the diffusion of Italian language and culture.
The Società Dante Alighieri is a worldwide organization with branches in almost every country, linking people with a common interest in Italian language and culture. The Cork branch, which meets at the Ursuline School, Blackrock, provides language classes and a number of cultural events, from October to May each year. On completion of the year those who wish may take written and oral examinations, for which successful candidates are awarded a certificate on Dante Day in mid-May. This is the most important event in the Society's calendar, as it celebrates the life and works of Dante Alighieri. The celebration consists of a lecture on an aspect of Italian culture followed by presentation of certificates and a reception.
The Cork branch is run by a committee of volunteers elected annually at the AGM each January.