University of St. Thomas to Host the 31st Festa Italiana October 16, 2009

University of St. Thomas to Host the 31st Festa Italiana

Continuing the partnership between the University of St. Thomas and the Italian Cultural Community Center, the University was selected to host the Houston Italian Festival, otherwise known as Festa Italiana on campus for three days, October 16-18, 2009. The Houston Italian Festival has been bringing the Houston Community together to celebrate all things Italian since 1978.

Today, Festa Italiana is one of the largest ethnic festivals in the city that attracts thousands of Houstonians.

The University’s central location, accessibility to freeways, ample parking and previous participation made UST a perfect site to host the festival.

Festival participants can experience Italian culture in the heart of Houston as the campus is transformed into the sights and sounds of Italy. The grounds of the Campus Life Mall and the Academic Mall will be lined with booths of authentic homemade foods such as, baked ziti, meatball sandwiches and an array of desserts including sfingi (Italian donuts), cucciadate (fig cookie), cannoli and gelato.

The educational stage will feature marionette puppet shows, mosaic tile demonstrations and a lecture on the best “out of the way” places to visit while travelling in Italy. The culinary/tasting stage will feature seminars about wines, olive oils and other tastes of Italy. On the Academic Mall kids of all ages will enjoy the rock wall and mechanical bull while exhibitors will proudly display their wares for sale.

Guest will enjoy the finest wines of Italy as they browse the village market. Imported Italian seeds, pottery, community cookbooks, and a variety of Italian cooking products will also be for sale.

Entertainment throughout the weekend will be provided by local performers complete with an Italian American Idol contest held on Saturday on the main stage.

Festival hours are Friday-Saturday, Oct. 16-17 from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Festa Italiana happens rain or shine.

University of St. Thomas is located at 3800 Montrose Blvd. Admission is $6 for adults and children under 12 are admitted free.

This event benefits the educational programs, scholarship fund, language school and cultural events of the Italian Cultural and Community Center.

Visit www.HoustonItalianFestival.com for more information as it becomes available. Contact www.HoustonItalianFestival.com, [email protected] or 713-524-4222.