Past Administrative Assistant:
Connie Bertuca.
The Dante Society of Santa Cruz supports a variety of activities for its members and others interested in learning more about Italian language, history, art and culture, including:
Italian Language Classes
(Fall, Spring, and occasionally Summer)
A variety of classes from Beginning to Conversational Italian taught by native Italian speakers.
Italian Film Series
(Fall and Spring)
We screen recent and classic Italian language films with English subtitles at Cabrillo College VAPA Forum Room 1001. Film Historian, Logan Walker provides an informative introduction before the film and hosts a Q&A session after each film.
Santa Cruz International Film Festival
(each Fall)
We also sponsor an Italian language film as part of the SCFF, held each fall, and provide for a special reception for Dante members and their guests.
Lecture Series
(Fall and Spring)
We are also fortunate to have interesting lectures by visiting and local experts on Italian history, art, music and more.
Dante Bocce Team
(Spring and Summer)
We sponsor a Dante bocce team for fun recreational play with other community members. We also try to get Dante members to play casual bocce the month prior to when league play begins.
Italian Dinner Gatherings
Informal gatherings at Italian restaurants throughout Santa Cruz County.
Ferragosto
In August, we celebrate what has become the Italian national holiday that occurs in the middle of August (generally August 15) with one of our Italian restaurant sponsors.
Dante Scholarship
Providing financial support for students pursuing studies in Italian art, history, or language.
Opera Outings
When the opportunity presents itself, Dante members have attended live performances and simulcasts of famous Italian operas.
Art History Group
Italian art lovers gather monthly to watch DVD lecture series on Italian art and artists.
Italian Book Club and Readings
As opportunity arises, Dante members and guests are invited to book readings. If you would like to form an Italian book club, let us know so we can announce it to our members.
If you know of an event coming up, or if you would like to help organize an event that you think would be of interest to Dante members please let us know.
Multiple DatesSat, Mar 21Loft CoffeeJoin us for an informal social meet-up to practice your Italian
Sun, Apr 12Cabrillo College, Aptos campus, in VAPA building 1000, Art History Forum room 1001Bring a dish to share & join us for our special potluck and film event with the filmmaker!
Fri, Apr 17Location will be emailed to guests prior(Dante members only) Start reading so we can discuss...
Fri, May 29Location will be emailed to guests prior(Dante members only) Start reading so we can discuss...
Sun, Mar 08Cabrillo, VAPA Bldg 1000Join us for our Winter 2026 Film Series: Buried Treasures/Tesori sepolti *all films are in Italian with English subtitles no tickets necessary; first come first served (register for event reminder) donations welcome at the door ❤️ 🇮🇹
Fri, Mar 06Location will be emailed to guests prior(Dante members only) Start reading so we can discuss...
Sun, Feb 08Cabrillo, VAPA Bldg 1000Join us for our Winter 2026 Film Series: Buried Treasures/Tesori sepolti *all films are in Italian with English subtitles no tickets necessary; first come first served (register for event reminder) donations welcome at the door ❤️ 🇮🇹
Fri, Jan 23Location will be emailed to guests prior(Dante members only) Start reading so we can discuss...
Sun, Jan 11Cabrillo, VAPA Bldg 1000Join us for a lecture from author, Kathleen González no tickets necessary; first come first served (register for event reminder) donations welcome at the door ❤️ 🇮🇹- Sat, Dec 20Loft CoffeeJoin us for an informal social meet-up to practice your Italian
Fri, Dec 19Location will be emailed to guests prior(Dante members only) Start reading so we can discuss...
Sun, Dec 14Cabrillo, VAPA Bldg 1000Join us for our Fall Film Series: Film Festival Favorites *all films are in Italian with English subtitles no tickets necessary; first come first served (register for event reminder) donations welcome at the door ❤️ 🇮🇹- Multiple DatesSat, Dec 06Loft CoffeeJoin us for an informal social meet-up to practice your Italian
Wed, Dec 03Seacliff Mobile Home ParkJoin us for an evening to play the Italian Card Game Scopa!
Sun, Nov 09Cabrillo, VAPA Bldg 1000Join us for our Fall Film Series: Film Festival Favorites *all films are in Italian with English subtitles no tickets necessary; first come first served (register for event reminder) donations welcome at the door ❤️ 🇮🇹
Fri, Nov 07Location will be emailed to guests prior(Dante members only) Start reading so we can discuss...- Sun, Oct 12Santa CruzCome see the Santa Cruz Premiere in conjunction with the Santa Cruz Film Festival!
