Villagi di festa italiana!
Explore the Villages / Villaggi of Festa Italiana!
Festa Italiana Food Village
A Taste of Italy!
Feel like you are taking a stroll through Little Italy with the scents of sausage-and-pepper sandos and fried dough. Visit one of our many authentic vendors and enjoy Italia in the form of crispy cannoli and cold gelato!
2025 Food Vendors to be announced soon!
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click below to apply to be a 2025 food vendor!
Tortorigi Traina Villaggio Culturale
Experience Italy!
Traina/Tortorigi Villagio is a meticulously crafted replica of a quaint Italian village nestled under twinkling lights and adorned with beautiful Italian imagery and a grand fountain at the heart of the village. Visitors will encounter a church, a bakery, a museum & more. There will be information about starting your ancestry research and dual citizenship.
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As you stroll around the Village, you will be entertained by our Italian singers, our accordion player, our juggling jester and don't forget to get a selfie with Mona Lisa.
At 5:15, there will be a procession (an old Italian tradition) around the Village carrying one of Italy's patron saints accompanied with musicians, singers, dancers and all who wish to join in.
More to come!
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The Festa Main Stage
University of Montevallo Jazz Band
The University of Montevallo Jazz Band, under the Direction of Dr. Joe Ardovino, with selections of Italian Music arranged just for Festa Italiana.
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​​Ken Gilmer entertains the Main Stage!
Performing some Legendary music from two Legendary paisan's, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, Birmingham’s Ken Gilmer takes us down memory lane.
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Enjoy the sounds of Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Razz Ma Tazz with our very own Italian drummer Henry Lovoy. They will be joined by vocals from Tommy Vacarella, Frank Ranelli and Hoover’s Mayor, Frank Brocato, singing the famous Che La Luna.
The Sugo Showdown
Do you think your sugo is the best in Birmingham? If you think you have what it takes then please sign up! Application coming soon
Buona Fortuna to all Contestants!!
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Bocce Ball Tournament
Bocce Ball is an Italian lawn bowling game where the object of the game is to roll a brightly colored ball closest to a smaller white ball called a Pallino. The rolled ball is measured to record how close it is to the pallino. Closest ball wins the game.
We will have two courts: one for the tournament and another for those who would simply like to try their hand at Bocce Ball.
Our tournament will be a singles tournament. Contestants must be at least 12 years old. Each match will consist of up to three games with each player rolling two balls per game. Closest ball wins the game. First to win two games is the match winner. The winner of the match advances to the next tournament round. There is no charge to enter. Winner and runner-up will receive trophies.
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Application coming soon!
"Spina Stomp"
Grape Stomping
presented by Sam Spina Importing Co.
For centuries grapes were picked by hand and grape stomping was the method used to extract juice from the grapes which were then used to make wine. It is believed that grape stomping goes back as far as Rome in 200 BC. We won’t make wine from our Grape Stomp, only FUN!
Stomp competitions take place on a raised platform near the Water Tower and Small Stage of Festa on Saturday. The first heat takes place at 3:55 PM. Our Emcees will be the awesome hilarious duo of Louis Ardovino and Abe Boackle, two locals known for their flavorful commentary!
Each team consists of a Stomper and a Swabby (helper). The teams compete against their rivals to create and collect as much grape juice as possible in a messy and frenetic 3-minute stomp! Participants, be ready to jump in with both feet and make some vino! Your rules are as follows:
Stompers must use bare feet.
Only one team member may stomp at a time.
Each four-minute heat allows 3 minutes of stomping and 1 minute of juice collecting.
A five-gallon jug is used to collect the juice.
The collected juice is measured by the judges, encouraged
by the audience, of course!
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Application coming soon!
Buona Fortuna to all Contestants!!​​
Festa Italiana MercatoMarketplace!
Come take a stroll through our Mercato (Market) and see the essence of Italy come alive through an array of merchandise! Explore our marketplace filled with tantalizing foods, exquisite jewelry, artisanal soaps, premium olive oils, stylish clothing, decor, accessories and much more. There is sure to be something for everyone so come ready to shop! Immerse yourself in the rich culture and diverse offerings while indulging in the finest Italian goods all around the festival!
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click below to apply to be a 2025 merchandise vendor!
Villaggio dei Bambini
Children's Village!
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Festa Italiana is family affair, and that means there will be plenty of entertainment for the little ones...all kinds of hands-on activities in a special area just for kids!​
St. Joseph Procession
The Annual Procession honoring St. Joseph is a cherished Italian tradition, filled with reverence and community spirit. Led by altar servers bearing the cross, a priest and deacon guides the procession, followed by the solemn paseo carrying the statue of St. Joseph, lovingly carried by The Knights of Columbus. Amidst the haunting melody of dirges and the recitation of the litany of the saints, villagers don their traditional attire, joining in the procession with heartfelt devotion. Bringing joy to the occasion, children dance along, celebrating the beloved saint and the bonds of faith and culture that unite us.
During the Festa, watch as our very own procession is accompanied with musicians, singers, dancers and all who wish to join in!