Tampa Sister Cities

Tampa Sister Cities Board of Directors Meeting
2026-07-15 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-17 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-20 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-15 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-18 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-18 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-21 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-17 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) and 14 more dates | Shanna & Bryan Glazer JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave., Tampa, FL, 33606, United States

Brewing Connections: A Colombian Coffee Social
2025-12-13 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Cafe at 1920, 1920 E 7th Ave., Tampa, FL, 33605, United States
Beaujolais Nouveau & Le Havre’s Structures: A Taste of Modernism

Tampa Sister Cities and the Tampa-Barranquilla Affiliate Committee invite you to join us for an unforgettable morning of flavor, culture, and networking at Brewing Connections: A Colombian Coffee Social; A fundraising experience that celebrates Tampa Sister Cities’ six decades of collaboration with our sister city, Barranquilla, Colombia.
Immerse yourself in the art and story of Colombian coffee through an exclusive tasting and educational session led by María Amalia Robbin, whose family has had a relationship with coffee for over 200 years. Discover the aromas, notes, and heritage behind every sip you take as María Amalia shares her family’s deep-rooted legacy and passion for one of Colombia’s most treasured exports.
This event isn’t just about coffee – it’s about community and impact. Your participation helps advance Tampa Sister Cities initiatives that foster international exchange, education, and economic cooperation.
Our Why equals Our Passion for…
Cultural Connection & Storytelling
We celebrate the Robbin family’s remarkable 200-year legacy in Colombian coffee cultivation, honoring their enduring contribution to Colombia’s cultural identity. Through storytelling and tasting, we share the traditions that connect people across generations and borders.
Community Engagement
This event is designed to bring people together – fostering connection through education, shared experiences, and cultural appreciation. Each gathering strengthens our community ties and supports the ongoing collaboration between Tampa and Barranquilla.
Education & Support
Proceeds from ticket sales, specialty Colombian coffee purchases, and partner contributions directly benefit Tampa Sister Cities initiatives – advancing educational, cultural, and economic exchange projects between Tampa and Barranquilla.
Together, we celebrate 60 years of friendship and cooperation, one meaningful connection and one perfect cup of coffee at a time.
We’re also inviting local sponsors who wish to align their brand with cultural exchange, education, and international goodwill. Your sponsorship helps keep our community programming vibrant and impactful while showcasing your support for global friendship.
Come sip, learn, and celebrate with us because every cup we share helps strengthen the bonds between Tampa, Barranquilla and our local community.
Saturday, December 13
9:00 am to 11:00 am
At Cafe at 1920, 1920 E. 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605 in Ybor City

María Amalia Robbin, Author of Planting The Seeds

About María Amalia RobbinBorn and raised in Medellín, Colombia, María Amalia Robbin bridges cultures and passions through both coffee and storytelling. With a background in agro-business and over 20 years of experience as an international food broker, she brings a deep understanding of the global food and coffee trade. Inspired by her family’s rich history, she became an author, publishing Planting the Seeds-the first book in her 1888 La Amalia: A Coffee Novel series. At this event, María will share her journey and lead guests through a hands-on coffee cupping experience that connects heritage, flavor, and story in every cup.

Participation Fee
$20 Basic Ticket
$50 Supporter (Free raffle ticket)
$100 Sponsor (Recognition and a small gift)
Please RSVP and purchase your ticket to the event no later than
December 1st.

Get Your Tickets Now

Beaujolais Nouveau & Le Havre's Structures: A Taste of Modernism
2025-11-21 17:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Halflants + Pichette, 715 N. Franklin Street, Tampa, 33602, United States
Beaujolais Nouveau & Le Havre’s Structures: A Taste of Modernism

Join Tampa Sister Cities for an evening celebrating French innovation, architecture, and culture through the lens of our sister city, Le Havre, France-a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its post-war modernist design by visionary architect Auguste Perret.
This special event, “Beaujolais Nouveau: Le Havre’s Structures – A Taste of Modernism,” pairs art and architecture with the flavors of France.
📐 Architecture & Insight:Distinguished USF Professor Michael Halflants will lead a captivating lecture exploring Le Havre’s remarkable rebirth after World War II and its unique architectural identity that fuses concrete with creativity. Discover how the city’s modernist vision continues to shape the character and cultural legacy of France’s northern coast.
🍷 Wine & Gastronomy:While we explore Le Havre’s architectural masterpieces, savor Beaujolais Nouveau wines selected by Sommelier Andrée Devove Bearison, each chosen to complement the modern spirit of Le Havre. Accompanying the wines will be a French-inspired tasting menu crafted by Chef Charlotte Walter, offering a culinary experience that celebrates the textures and tones of modern France.
Come raise a glass to friendship, culture, and the beauty of design that transcends borders.
Friday, November 21
5:30 to 8:30p
At Halflants & Pichette Architecture Studio at 715 N Franklin St Tampa

Pastry Chef Charlotte Walter
Gourmet Buffet prepared by Pastry Chef Charlotte Walter who was was trained by Michelin Star Chef Yannick Alleno

Amuse bouche mango, avocado, yuzu and passion fruit
Mini quiche Florentine
Raisin goat cheese, in honey Kataifi nest
Salad mixt and crudity with Burrata, marinated peppers, pesto sauce, olive oil, balsamic glaze
Hummus, eggplant caviar, with different dry crackers herb aromatics, cheese twist stick and bread sticks
Charcuterie and cheese platter
French baguette
Key Lime pie with burned Italian meringue
Mini strawberry tartelette
Verrine orange marmalade and house made chocolate mousse
Verrine fruits minestrone with mint and yuzu sauce

Sommelier Andrée Devove Bearison
Wine selection by Sommelier Andrée Devove Bearison
Two glasses will be served

2025 Beaujolais Nouveau
Beaujolais Nouveau is released on the third Thursday of November each year. For 2025, the release date is Thursday, November 20th. The celebration begins at 12:01 a.m. under French law, marking the end of the harvest season.

2021 Morgon Tradition from Domaine du Petit Pérou
The 2021 Morgon Tradition from Domaine du Petit Pérou is a red wine made from the Gamay grape in the Beaujolais region of France. It is known for being a generous, well-balanced wine with a rich ruby color and a complex bouquet of red fruits like redcurrant and raspberry, as well as notes of blackberry, spices, and hints of chocolate and walnuts
Participation Fee
$55 for members and
$65 for the non members
Please RSVP and purchase your ticket to the event no later than
November 14.

Get Your Tickets Now

About Michael Halflants, FAIA
Michael Halflants, FAIA started his architectural education in Brussels at the Institut Supérieur de St Luc. He later earned a master’s at the University of Florida, where he was awarded the gold medal, the college’s highest design honor. Upon graduation, Michael was a project designer with the Polshek Partnership in New York City. In that capacity, he drew designs for theaters and offices in Manhattan and for the Kansas University Spencer Museum. Working in a joint venture with Arata Isozaki’s Tokyo office, he worked on the Brooklyn Museum addition. In 2018, Michael was recognized with the Florida Medal of Honor for Design, the highest honor that the American Institute of Architects can bestow upon an architect in Florida. As full professor at the University of South Florida, he teaches graduate design studios, urban design, tropical design, and the modern housing course. He has lectured on housing and tropical design including in Bogota, Singapore, and Bangkok. He is a native French speaker from Belgium.

About Sommelier Andrée Devove Bearison
Andrée is a French-American wine and spirits business professional with a strong foundation in sales analytics, marketing management, and customer engagement. Her passion for wine stems from her French heritage and her studies in Vineyard and Winery Management in Beaune, where she gained hands-on experience with esteemed Burgundian wineries such as Domaine des Comtes Lafon and Château de Marsannay.

About Chef Charlotte Walter
Born and raised in Paris, Charlotte’s passion for pastry began with her grandfather, a pastry chef who later owned a catering company in the city. He instilled in her a love for the culinary arts and taught her that cooking is a reflection of life-filled with discipline, organization, communication, humanity, and above all, love.
Inspired by his teachings, Charlotte pursued her dream and trained under renowned Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. Her journey took her through his Parisian brasserie Le Terroir Parisien, the DIOR tea room in Saint-Tropez, and the prestigious three-Michelin-star restaurant Le Pavillon Ledoyen on the Champs-Élysées.
Today, Charlotte continues to share her passion alongside her mother and husband, both chefs themselves. Her grandfather’s legacy lives on not only in her work, but also in her name-Charlotte, a beloved French dessert.

Sip, Celebrate and Support
2025-11-12 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Shanna and Bryan Glazer JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave., Tampa, FL, 33606, United States
Sip the Future: An Evening with Shira Granot and the Israel Wine Collection
Join Shira Granot, founder of the Israel Wine Collection, for an immersive journey into the heart of Israel’s thriving wine culture. This experience celebrates the country’s pioneering spirit-where ancient winemaking traditions meet modern innovation and sustainability.
Located in one of the most arid regions on Earth, Israel’s vineyards-especially those flourishing in the Negev Desert-are rewriting the narrative of climate adaptation. Through cutting-edge techniques like drip irrigation and climate monitoring, paired with a rediscovery of ancient grape cultivars and traditional farming methods, Israeli winemakers are transforming challenges into opportunities.
Discover how Israel’s wine industry has become a living example of resilience and creativity, offering valuable insights for sustainable agriculture worldwide. This “wine diplomacy” event pairs exquisite tastings with stories that connect people, cultures, and ideas-one glass at a time.
This event is brought to you through a partnership between Connecting Cultures for Peace and the Tampa-Ashdod Sister Cities Committee.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
$35 Per person
$75 VIP Experience

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2025 U.S.-Japan Sister Cities Summit
2025-09-16 - 2025-09-19 | Izumisano City, Japan, Izumisano, Japan

2025 River O'Green Festival
2025-03-15 10:00 - 18:00 UTC | Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL, 33602, United States
Join Us at the River O’Green Festival

Tampa Sister Cities Committee, Inc. is affiliated with Sister Cities International

The Tampa-South Dublin Sister Cities Committee
invites you to the River O’Green Festival
at
Curtis Hixon Park 🍀 600 N Ashley Dr. 🍀 Tampa
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Join us for an Irish celebration
Free to the Public
River O’ Green
River O’ Green, presented by Grow Financial, is set to return to Tampa’s Downtown on March 16th from 11am – 6pm! River O’ Green is an annual, free event to kick off the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, as the Hillsborough River is transformed into a bright shade of green. This day of festive fun at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park will feature live music, kids activities, food trucks, and of course, beer.
Performance Schedule:

11:00AM – Event & River Coloring Begins
Main Stage:
11:15AM-12:45PM – Irish Buskers (Live Music)
1:15-2:45PM – Paddy O’Furniture (Live Music)
3:30PM – Pet Costume Contest – sponsored by Barrymore Hotel
4:00PM-5:45PM – George Pennington & The Odyssey (Live Music)
Terrace Stage:
11:30AM – GrowHouse Tampa Poet Performance
1:00PM – Finnegan Irish Dance Academy Performance
2:30PM – GrowHouse Tampa Poet Performance
3:00PM – Finnegan Irish Dance Academy Performance
6:00PM – Event Concludes

Event Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor – Grow Financial
TECO
Pirate Water Taxi
The Lost Pearl
Craft Tampa
Freedom Boat Club
Barrymore Hotel
iHeart Radio
Busch Gardens
Kuducom

Volunteers Needed

I hope this message finds you well and ready for some fun and camaraderie! As you may know, the River O’Green Festival is happening this Saturday, and we are thrilled to announce that Tampa Sister Cities will have a tent at the event! This is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the spirit of international friendship and community that lies at the heart of our organization.
However, to make our presence as impactful as possible, we need your help. We are looking for volunteers to help manage our tent throughout the festival, which runs from 11 AM to 6 PM. Whether you’re an experienced volunteer or looking to lend a hand for the first time, we would love to have you join us!
We understand that everyone has busy schedules, so we are looking for volunteers to fill in as many 1-hour gaps as possible. This flexible approach allows you to enjoy the festival and contribute at a time that is most convenient for you. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the form below to select your preferred hour(s). Your time and enthusiasm will greatly contribute to the success of our tent and the festival as a whole.
This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with the community, meet new people, and enjoy the festivities. Plus, volunteering with Tampa Sister Cities is always a fun and rewarding experience. Don’t miss out on being part of something special this weekend!
Thank you for considering this opportunity to volunteer and support Tampa Sister Cities. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Let’s make the River O’Green Festival a memorable event for our community and visitors alike!

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Italian Heritage Celebration
2025-02-02 12:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge, 3315 W. Lemon St., Tampa, FL, 33609, United States
COME CELEBRATE OUR ROOTS

with the Italian Community of Tampa Bay

Sunday, February 2, 2025
February 2, 2025 | 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
In celebration of Agrigento’s nomination as the Cultural Capital of Italy for 2025, and in honor of the enduring 30-year sister city relationship between Agrigento and Tampa, we invite you to join us in commemorating the rich heritage and deep connections between the Italian community in the Tampa Bay area and the people of Agrigento.
The event will feature traditional Italian cuisine from local restaurants, vibrant folkloric dances and music, demonstrations of wine and olive oil production, and much more!
Purchase your tickets now! Don’t forget the TSC promo code to save $5.00: Code is italylove

Purchase Your Tickets

CELEBRATING AGRIGENTO
CULTURAL CAPITAL OF ITALY for 2025
The beautiful Sicilian city of Agrigento, one of Tampa’s 11 Sister Cities, has been awarded the title of Italian Capital of Culture for the year 2025. Special events and celebrations, together with enhanced tourist attractions, will highlight the city’s historic values and natural beauty. As many Tampa natives and longtime residents trace their roots in the Agrigento province, we are honored to join in the festivities and showcase the rich array of activities that the year-long program will offer
CELEBRATING ANCESTRAL TOWNS
FRIENDSHIP CITY AFFILIATION
Approximately 90% of Tampa’s Italian American community traces its ancestry to towns in the Province of Agrigento, like Bivona, Cianciana, Alessandria della Rocca, and Santo Stefano Quisquina. In order to preserve the special friendship that unites the Tampa Bay area with these towns, a new agreement is about to be signed to formalize relations between Tampa and our ancestral Sicilian towns. The official affiliation agreement will be formally signed in Tampa during this event. The aim is to foment tourism, educational and cultural exchange programs, and trade

AUGMENTED REALITY
TRAVEL BACK IN TIME
Thanks to the extraordinary work of faculty and students of the USF Institute of Digital Exploration, time travel is never been closer. Employing cutting-edge technology, IDEx teams have spent countless hours 3D mapping monuments, objects, and archaeological sites to let “digital explorers” experience a full immersion in our history. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit the past, listen to scholars sharing stories about their findings, and watch ancient jewelry and everyday objects being 3D-printed back to life under your very eyes!
TASTE OF ITALY
IN FOOD WE TRUST
The Italian heritage we all know and love is the taste of timeless Italian culinary specialties! Several renowned local restaurants will bring their most cherished dishes to delight us with their cuisine. Delicious samplings of Italian antipasto items and sips of wine, also available for purchase through donations to the Sons of Italy Lodge, will be offered in our tasting areas

TRADITIONAL DANCE PERFORMANCES
Sicily is a magical place, rich in history and filled with colors, fragrances, silences, and sounds. Travel with us into the sound of this region with traditional Sicilian dances to be performed by the students of ON THE EDGE @FRANKREYDANCE STUDIO
MILLENARY WELLNESS: OLIVE OIL
Olive oil has been around at least since 4000 BC, and it is considered a staple ingredient of the Mediterranean diet. Learn with us how pure Extra Virgin Olive Oil is made in Italy to this day, and taste its flavors with COSTIERA Extra Virgin Olive Oil

IN VINO VERITAS
WINE TRADITIONS
How is sweet or dry wine made? Why does it turn into vinegar if not carefully produced? PARDO WINE GRAPES will display and share wine-making tools and methods and the folk science behind its thousand-year old history
LANDSCAPES AND FLAVORS
A MAGICAL TRIP
Distinguished USF Professor Santo V. Nicosia, author of “Travels and Food for Body and Soul” will join us to sign his book and tell us about his long journeys throughout Southern Italy and his explorations of the Mediterranean diet

ITALIAN STUDIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL HUMANITIES
Italian Studies at USF, singlehandedly founded by Prof. LaTrecchia in 2004, allows students to gain proficiency in Italian language and acquire a thorough knowledge of Italian cultural history in a transnational perspective. The courses provide a multidisciplinary approach to the study of food culture as well as environmental issues. The program prepares students to become receptive to the global concerns of our society increasing their capabilities in writing, speaking, intercultural literacy, and effective citizenship, all skills that are useful in a variety of professions.
Purchase your tickets now! Don’t forget the TSC promo code to save $5.00: Code is italylove

Purchase Your Tickets

Sponsors

2025 TSC Annual Dinner - Barranquilla Hosts
2025-01-22 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | La Pequeña Colombia, 6312 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, 33604
2025 Annual Membership Dinner and Elections

Tampa Sister Cities Committee, Inc. is affiliated with Sister Cities International

Tampa Sister Cities, Inc
cordially invites you to its
Annual Membership Dinner and Elections
Hosted by
The Barranquilla Sister Cities Committee
at
La Pequena Colombia Restaurant
6312 N Armenia Ave 33604
Tampa, Florida
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
6:00 pm: Cash Bar
6:30 pm: Dinner and Elections
The event begins at 6:00 pm.

Live Music

Paula Sofia is a Latin singer originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, now based in Tampa, Florida. She discovered her passion for music at the age of three and began performing at local festivals and events during her teenage years. In 2023, Paula moved to Miami to pursue her professional and music career, quickly gaining attention for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. After relocating to Tampa in 2017, she has become known for her captivating performances, blending Latin rhythms and rock music.
With her infectious energy and heartfelt performances, Paula has built a loyal and growing fan base. As a rising star, she is poised to make a significant impact on the music industry.

Meet the 2025 Tampa Queen of Carnaval

Le Havre Reunion
2024-10-30 18:00 - 21:00 UTC | Boulon, 1001 Water St., Tampa, 33602, United States
Retrouvons-Nous au Havre
Tampa Sister Cities Committee, Inc. is affiliated with Sister Cities International
The Tampa-Le Havre Sister Cities Committeeinvites you to a French reunion
at
Boulon Brasserie1001 Water St.Tampa, FL 33602 Tampa
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Experience an unforgettable evening of French cuisine as we celebrate the anniversary of our 2023 journey to Le Havre! Whether you joined us on the trip or are eager to get involved in future exchanges, this is the perfect opportunity to connect, learn more about our growing activities with Le Havre, and enjoy a preview of what’s to come. Reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and relive the memories through captivating trip photos. Don’t miss out on this special celebration!
Hors D’oeuvresServed family styleSalmon Rillettes, Creme Fraiche, Brioche, Toast, Caviar MainsChoice ofSteak Frites, Hangar, MAitre D’hotel ButterorBoursin Rigatoni, Mushrooms, Blistered Tomatoes, Spinach, Toasted Panko DessertServed family styleProfitéroles
The event begins at 6:00 pm.
