What’s New at Festa Italiana This Year?
Celebrating its 34th annual event, Festa Italiana, Presented by US Cellular, is the largest Italian event of its kind in America today. The festival runs Thursday, July 21 from 2:00 p.m. to Midnight and Friday – Sunday, July 22 – 24 from 11:30 a.m. to Midnight. Festa is a celebration of Italian food, arts, culture and religion. 2011 marks a special year as Italy honors its 150th anniversary of its unificaiton as a nation. Italians across the world are celebrating the courage, sacrifice and vision of the patriots who gave birth to the Italian nation.
This year, Festa Italiana will focus on the Veneto region of Italy. The capital of this region is Venice, most popular for its gondolas and winding waterways. Veneto is one of the country’s richest historical, artistic, cultural, musical and culinary heritages, and it is also the most visited region of Italy. Another famous city in the Veneto region is Verona, the city of Shakespeare’s famous lovers – Romeo and Juliet.
This year at Festa attendees can look forward to many NEW attractions, exciting entertainment, delicious food and fun events for families and individuals of all ages to enjoy! These include:
Entertainment
- Buddy Valastro, The Cake Boss – TLC’s Cake Boss will be entertaining audiences on Saturday, July 23 at 3:00 at the Marcus Amphitheatre.
- The Monkees Reunion Tour on Saturday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Marcus Amphitheatre.
- On the ground stages, festival-goers can enjoy new entertainment acts such as Steve Augeri – the former lead singer Journey, Fran Cosmo – the former lead singer of Boston, Abba Arrival featuring the music of Mama Mia!, Bella Donna, a tribute to Stevie Nicks and Milwaukee's own Anthony Crivello, currently starring as “The Phantom” in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA in Las Vegas!
- Also new this year is a chorus from Naples, Italy, Il Coro Polifonico Flegreco, comprised of 32 men and women and Gruppo Bandistico G. Verdi, a band from the Sicily region of Italy.
- For the first time ever, Festa will feature a Fashion Show as part of the entertainment schedule. Watch for updates as to who will be walking the runway, what Italian designer will show what’s hot and trendy and how guests will be a part of the action. This will truly be a fun, exciting and entertaining event!
Food
- For the first time, Celebrity Chef and Award-Winning Author Maria Liberati will be showcasing her culinary skills at the festival’s Cucina Showcase. Liberati is considered one of the foremost experts on Italian cuisine and culture in the U.S. and has been described as the “Italian Martha Stewart.”
- New food vendors include Papa Luigis, Carini’s LaConca d’Oro and Alioto’s – all excellent additions to an already great line-up of food vendors.
Religion - Archbishop Jerome Listecki will be celebrating the Sunday Mass at 11:00 a.m. and leading the Procession following on Sunday, July 24 at the Marcus Amphitheatre.
Attractions
- MSOE LEGO Leaning Tower of Pisa and Children’s LEGO Contest. MSOE students will construct a five feet tall Leaning Tower of Pisa all with LEGOs! Throughout the event weekend, children from ages 8-18 can construct their own creation out of LEGOS with a chance to win a daily prize!
- Abbastanza in the Sky on Friday evening, July 22 celebrating the Bartolotta fireworks.
Discounts
- This year, Festa is offering a new military discount. All active duty men and women currently serving in our military and one guest will be allowed free admission into Festa all four days of with an eligible military ID.
