35 Years!

2012 marks a special year as Italians celebrate the 35^th anniversary of Festa Italiana in Milwaukee.  In 1978, an idea was born to establish an Italian festival to re-connect the Italian community.  Festa Italiana, the first ethnic festival to be held on the Summerfest grounds, emerged on August 4, 5 & 6, 1978.  Festa’s success led to the establishment of the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward, which has been home to the Italian community, providing cultural, educational and social activities.

Mayor Maier
Commemorative Parade

On Saturday, July 21, at 5:30 p.m. Festa Italiana will dedicate its 35^th anniversary to Mayor Henry W. Maier with a special parade.  The parade will include and celebrate all participating ethnic festivals as part of the Untied Ethnic Festivals organization, as well as city officials, marching bands and dignitaries.

The parade will be led by Chicago's Sicilian Band and will also feature characters such as Pinocchio, Geppetto, the Blue Fairy and Topo Gigio, a beautiful Pinocchio Float filled with children, Italian Folk Dance Groups such as Tradizione Vivente, I Bei Bambini and the Festa Regional & Renaissance Group, ICC Carnevale Royalty and the Costume & Mask Winners, Baton Twirlers, a fantastic Juggler & Stilt Walker, a Sicilian Carretto (Cart), large wooden Pinocchio on a Tricycle, stunning Italian cars from Reina Imports, and more.  It will be colorful, entertaining and fill the air with Italian music.