Villagi di festa italiana!
​Explore the Villages / Villaggi of Festa Italiana!
The Main Stage
Welcome to the Festa Italiana Main Music Stage, Presented by Coca Cola! Here, guests can immerse themselves in the vibrant sounds and captivating dances of Italy, guided by our noted Emcees Matt Scalici, Bruce Ayers and Joey Timpa - back by popular demand! ​
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-Enjoy "Italian Favorites" by The Montevallo Jazz Band, led by Joe Ardovino.
-Watch authentic "Italian Ball Room Dancing Italiano" showcasing Brandon Barranco, Kathryn Thompson, Deanna Cataldo Hamrick and Darren Hamrick.
-Enjoy The Sutera's singing familiar "Italian Songs," featuring local legends Pat Patrick, Tom Strickland, Michael Lorino and Joe Ardovino.
​-Hear "Songs from our Favorite Italian Singers," sung by the amazing Crooner Matt Scalici.​​
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Featuring our Headliner (pictured above) Joe Scalissi, as "Dean Martin Happy Hour," a widely recognized and acclaimed Dean Martin tribute artist and impersonator.
Joe Scalissi is considered one of the most authentic Dean Martin tribute artists in show business, having performed the role for decades. His portrayal is highly praised for capturing the charisma, wit, and baritone voice of the "King of Cool."
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-Dance and experience the "Very Ranelli Dance Band" from the Ranelli family, featuring Che La Luna by acclaimed performers Tommy Vacarella, Chris Campisi and Joey Timpa.
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Festa Food Village
Get ready to immerse yourself in the lively spirit of Little Italy! Take a delightful stroll through our Festa Food Village, Presented by the Bruno-Rumore Foundation, where the mouthwatering scents of sausage-and-pepper sandwiches and fried dough will tantalize your senses. Indulge in the scrumptious treats from our authentic vendors...crispy cannoli and refreshing gelato that will make your taste buds dance!​
Plus...get ready for awesome Cooking Demos from renowned chefs on the "Galbani Cooking Stage." Chef Benard Tamburello from Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato and Vecchia Gelato & Cafe at 2:00; Surprise Chef at 4:00!
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And...our Sugo Cook-Off competition will be a thrilling and delicious event for our celebrity food judges!
NEW THIS YEAR: In addition to our "Celebrity Judging," we will have a "People's Choice Award" given by the first 50 attendees at the gate, starting at noon. Get your special token and head over to the Food Pavilion to pick your favorite! Judging will last from Noon to 1:00 PM.
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Some of our Food Vendors include:
Molay Brothers
Tre Luna Catering
Graffeo Brother Italian Sausage
Villaggio Colafrancesco
Slice Pizza & Brew
Hey Bebe Food Truck
Joe's Italian
Da Big Italian
Uncle G's Pizza
Vecchia Pizzeria and Vecchia Cafe
Arnone's Italian Sausage
Pazzo Big Slice Pizza
Carrabba's Italian Grill
Cannoli's by Cafe Iz
Feast Catering & Culinary Kitchen
Snowie of Alabama
Ruscelli's
Seeds Coffee
A. G.'s Kettle Corn
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Villagio Culturale
Our 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 & ancestry "building" and more. There will be information about starting your ancestry research and dual citizenship. ​
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The Italian American Heritage Society will have a Membership Booth... and Raffle Donation tickets will be on sale for a trip for two to Italy!
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The Spina Stomp
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!
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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 hilarious judging duo of Tommy Vacarella & Michael Verciglio, and encouraged by the audience, of course!​
Competitions take place at 1:00, 3:00 and 5:00 P.M.
This event in now filled!
​Buona Fortuna to all Contestants!!​​
Festa Bocce Ball Tournament
Dating back to games played in the Roman Empire, Bocce (which means bowl) has now developed into its current form…and is one of the most popular sports in the world. Bocce is an Italian lawn bowling game where the object is to roll a brightly colored ball closet to a similar white ball called a Pallino. Closet ball to the Pallino wins the game.
Beginning at 12:45 P.M. sharp, we will have two courts for the 32-person, single elimination Bocce Ball tournament. Tournament rules, regulations and other important details will be included in the registration packet. There is no cost to enter. The winner and runner up will receive trophies and prizes.
​After the tournament, the two courts will be open for play throughout the day.
This year Lakeshore Foundation, our Presenting Sponsor, will be exhibiting their brand of Bocce, called Boccia. This modern day version of Boccia was developed as a competitive sport for individuals with cerebral palsy, but since has been expanded to include any athlete with a severe disability which requires the use of a wheelchair. Lakeshore Foundation has been awarded the National Boccia Team for the United States and will be training and fielding a team to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Paralympics Games.
If you "lose out" on your Bocce tournament play, try your hand at the Lakeshore Boccia court!
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Come see and learn why Bocce/Boccia is soaring in popularity!
Click on button below to sign up!
Festa Mercato Marketplace!
Step into our vibrant Mercato where the spirit of Italy not only comes alive but also envelops you in a warm, festive atmosphere! As you wander through our market stalls, you'll be greeted by the sounds of Italian music, the chatter of excited shoppers, and the enticing scents of authentic Italian cuisine. Discover the taste of Italy with delectable Italian cookies and premium olive oils, all while the feeling of Italy surrounds the air. Come see the fashion and accessories: Adorn yourself with beautiful jewelry and stylish clothing in an environment that feels like a stroll through the streets of Rome. Enhance your living space with soaps, candles, elegant art and decor, surrounded by the comforting ambiance of a traditional Italian market. With so many talented vendors present there are an array of unique items, there's surely something for everyone!
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Here are a few of our vendors...many more to come!!
Designs by GG Decatur
Costa Olive Oil
Two L's Creations
Stokehold Art
The Italian Cookie Company
Rami Awwad- Bethlehem Shop
Good Leaven Designs
Simply Infused Olive Oil Shop
Riman Korean Skincare (Brandi's K Beauty & Wellness)
Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski Crystal
Elemental Designs
Blum Clothing
Travel by Dezign
Ivory LeShore Gourmet
Emberline Permanent Jewelry & Accessories
Handmade Crafts with Love
Lamari Boutique
Dolce Vita Candle Co.
De la Cruz Jewelry
Art by Denise
Blind Dog Biscuit
Dream Vacations
Shore is Fabulous
Vita Pacifica
Positivity Pasta
Bubble Nuggets
Nana's Fried Pies​
Southern Belle Pantry​​​​​
Festa Villaggio dei Bambina
Join us at Festa Italiana for a fun-filled family affair! We have a special area dedicated just for children, where they can enjoy a variety of hands-on activities, bouncy houses and entertainment. Plus, the kids may just get to meet some Italian Birmingham Legion soccer players and their inflatable soccer game! It's the perfect way for the little ones to create lasting memories and parents can relax and enjoy the festivities! Don't miss out on the excitement!
Saint 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! the Procession begins at 2:30 P.M. near the Cultural Village entrance.​
Italian Car Showcase
Join us at the Festa Italiana Car Village! Sponsors Classic Car Motoring and the official Ferrari dealer, Prancing Horse of Nashville, will showcase a stunning array of Italian cars! And new this year, Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum's display! There's something for every car enthusiast to admire. Don't miss this exciting celebration of Italian automotive excellence!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Festa Sugo Cookoff
Sponsored by
107.3 "Birmingham Mountain Radio"
If you think you have what it takes to win the best sugo in town (red sauce), then please sign up for our annual Sugo Showdown!
Application below...judging begins before Festa at 11:00 A.M.
Buona Fortuna to all Contestants!!