A Citizen of Italy
I will never forget July 5 and 6, 2025
The Republic of Italy awarded citizenship to me based on my “contributions to Italian culture.” What a long and eventful life my books have had—and that they led to this great honor is overwhelming. Full citizenship based on merit is rare. Few have ever heard of the possibility. I’m told that it never has gone to an American writer, and no one seems to know if it has ever gone to an American at all. The ceremony was held in the Sala del Comune of Cortona, an historic space for important gatherings. Years ago, in this room, I was given honorary citizenship of Cortona. I still remember how nervous I was to speak in Italian. I still feel nervous, but I think I managed my speech pretty well this time!
In attendance were Luciano Meoni, our mayor, Alessandro Ghinelli, the mayor or Arezzo, the Prefect of Arezzo, director and officials of the Questura of Arezzo, and representatives from Rome. In the audience were my daughter, many dearest friends, neighbors, local people, journalists, and some tourists who wandered in to see what the excitement in the piazza was all about.
The first step leading to this honor is nomination. I was fortunate to be nominated by Riccardo Illy, known for his family’s coffee, but also as the mayor of Trieste and Previous offices: President of Friuli-Venezia Giulia (2003–2008), Mayor of Trieste (1993–2001). The idea came up at lunch at our house one day last summer, and later Riccardo had the patience to gather all the info and forms, which went through many levels, reaching Matteo Piantedosi, the Minister of the Interior for legislative vote, and finally to Sergio Mattarella, the President of the Republic. At the ceremony, Riccardo spoke of his own ancestors’ upheaval from the AustroHungarian empire to Italy, and how the documents of citizenship were treasured.
In this time of turmoil and tragedy around citizenship in America, the subject is a charged one, and I felt many emotions around acquiring a new belonging to a country I love and where I have made a home that became a lodestar for my whole family and many friends. I will be processing the meanings of belonging to two countries for a long time.
After several thoughtful speeches, suddenly and unexpectedly, the musicians played “The Stars Spangled Banner.” I could see the startled expressions on the faces of many Americans in the audience. And then I saw tears, and I felt tears. Land of the free… yes, we feel that strongly. Whose broad stripes and bright stars… I was moved by the deep thoughtfulness of the Italians who planned the ceremony acknowledgment of my birthplace and other allegiance. The anthem was followed by the Italian national anthem, which is much more lively and upbeat! The audience began to sing. How lucky to be at home in two countries.
At the end, I raised my right hand and swore to be a good citizen. As one who has traveled and spent time in each of Italy’s twenty regions, has written with love about the beauty of each one, and as one who has felt for thirty-five years the warmth and generosity of the Italian people, I will find being a good citizen one of the great honors of my life.
More to come—the official dinner and, the next night, an over-the-top party at Il Falconiere. Ciao from Citizen Mayes!
What a potent honor and testimony to your cultural contributions!
Likewise, my partner, whose parents shipped him out of Venezuela when Chavez took over, just became a naturalized citizen of the United States along with about 100 others that day. It was touching to observe him studying the constitution, etc. For a while after the ceremony, he would inject “as a US citizen” into every opportunity!
Bravo!!