Festa Italiana July 8, 2007

The festival will provide traditional Italian entertainment, fabulous food, family fun, great raffle prizes and much more. This year’s festa will feature the Emilia-Romagna region, home of prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Balsamic vinegar, the world’s fastest sport cars, mosaics, and Adriatic Sea beaches. Admission is free.

Held at Third and F streets, N.W., this Italian festa, the only one in downtown D.C., distinguishes itself from others in the area by focusing on Italian and Italian-American heritage and culture. The event officially opens with a procession led by the Pastor of Holy Rosary Church. Festival-goers will have a great time while being offered the chance to learn some Italian words and phrases, taste authentic food, observe Italian arts and crafts, and enjoy live performances by noted Italian-American artists.

Returning this year is the Monaldi Brothers Band for traditional Italian melodies; also scheduled are lyric soprano Beatrice Glibert and tenor and army soldier Antonio Giuliano singing opera favorites. Street performers will delight young and old alike with magic, juggling, and stilt walking. The festa promises something for everyone, including family-friendly activities designed especially for children. Many activities will take place indoors in Casa Italiana. Italian sausage and pepper sandwiches, anini, gelato, Italian ice, pizza, fried dough, beer, wine, soda, water, and food specialties of Emilia – Romagna will be sold.

Raffle ticket holders will have a chance to win many exciting prizes, including a one-week stay at an Italian villa near Sestri Levante for up to 11 people, a weekend stay for up to six people at a condo in Deep Creek, Oakland, Maryland, the opportunity to drive a Ferrari on a closed track, certificates to fine Italian restaurants and markets, Washington Opera tickets, items representative of Italian culture including those of the Emilia-Romagna area, and other great prizes.

Official Website: http://www.festaitalianadc.com