The 23rd Annual Festa Italiana celebrated Italian wine, food and music

The tents are down, the stage is packed away and the piazza transitions back to Pioneer Courthouse Square.  For 23 years Festa Italiana has welcomed thousands of people to celebrate Italian American culture in Portland, Oregon.  This year, the festa filled the Square on August 21, 22 and 23.

 

The first night of Festa Italiana featured “Italian Opera in the Piazza,” performed by opera students from Portland State University. The crowd enjoyed several opera selections during the warm summer evening performance.  Next on stage were Elio Scaccio and then Joe De Gennaro singing Italian classics and favorites.  Closing out the night was Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms. Their high-energy performances get the crowds to their feet and make them a Festa favorite. 

 

Several events took place on the second day of the Festa. The annual Pizza Toss, Grape Stomp Competition, and Cooking Demonstration entertained the crowds.  New this year was the first annual Cannoli Eating Contest. Six brave souls faced ten cannoli each and after a valiant six-minute competition, Michael Farley of the Paesano Club was crowned the winner.  

 

For the youngest generations, one of the highlights of the Festa is the Carter Family Marionettes.  Every year they travel from Seattle to entertain and amaze old and young alike with their marionettes.  This year they performed “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” in their puppet theater.

 

The final day of the Festa was on a Saturday and generally draws the largest crowds.  Hundreds of people came back to hear their favorite music and eat something they missed the previous day. Several local Italian restaurants and vendors served Italian porchetta, rigatoni all’arrabbiata, lasagna, pizza, verdure fritte, frittate, focaccia, and so much more.  Many try the gelato, cannoli, tiramisu or maybe a little Italian ice for dessert. Peroni beer, San Pellegrino water and sodas, and over two dozen Italian wines made the meals complete.  

 

The goal of the Festa Italiana is to bring people together and have a great time celebrating the countless contributions Italians have made to America and the world.  Italians have a rich history of gathering in the piazza, going on a passeggiata, or celebrating with a festa. I am happy to say that our crowd gathered, strolled, celebrated and had a fantastic time at the 23rd Festa Italiana Portland!

 

Planning for Festa 2015 has already begun. A small group of dedicated volunteers works very hard through the year planning Festa Italiana, the Italian Mass, the bocce tournament, Italian movie night and the annual Columbus Day Dinner and Dance (coming up on October 18th).  

 

Mille grazie to the 200-plus volunteers, sponsors, vendors and the thousands of people that support and attend Festa Italiana each year. (Photos by Dorcas Herr)