Ciao! If you love all things Italian, you will not want to miss Festa Italiana’s return to Birmingham. The Italian American Heritage Society (IAHS) is bringing an authentic Italian festival experience to Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark on June 7 from 3 to 10 p.m.—a true “taste” of Italy right here in our city! Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the gate, and children ages 10 and under are free.
Prepare to be serenaded with live musical performances as you feast on Italian favorites like cannoli, Italian sausage, and gelato. (What’s a festival without the food? You know I’m going for the gelato!) To find the list of food vendors that will be in attendance, visit their website. Experience Italy in the Village Culturale, a charming replica of an Italian village, with puppet shows, an accordion player, a juggling jester, and more. At 5:15 p.m., you can join in on a procession around the village, an age-old Italian tradition honoring Italy’s patron saints. Your children will love the Villagio dei Bambini, or “Children’s Village,” with its kids-only games, bouncy houses, and hands-on activities.
Watch cooking demonstrations and dancing, then jump in on the grape stomping competition, bocce ball tournament, or Sugo (Italian red sauce) cook-off.* Admire the Italian cars showcase, from classics to the latest models, including Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, and Alfa Romeo cars. Wander through the Mercato Marketplace, where 40 vendors will be offering clothing, accessories, soaps, art, olive oils, and more. And did we mention the music that will transport you to the cobblestone streets of Italy, with Italian headliner Vanessa Racci singing retro jazz and classic pop, The University of Montevallo Jazz Band paying homage to the Italian greats, Ken Gilmer crooning hits from Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, and an appearance from Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato? Plus, once the night is really “popping,” you just might see some fireworks lighting up the sky….
Festa Italiana is called “A Kiss of Italy” for a reason. IAHS seeks to “encourage, promote, and preserve Italian culture and heritage”—so go check it out for yourself and see if there’s anything Hollywood’s been missing in the movies. “The Italian American Heritage Society of Birmingham is proud to celebrate and preserve our rich Italian culture and traditions through vibrant community events,” says Tina Verciglio Savas, Chair of Festa Italiana. “We’re beyond excited to bring back our second annual Festa Italiana—bigger, better, and even more delicious! It’s a joyful celebration of our heritage, and we can’t wait to share the spirit of Italy with the entire Birmingham community once again!” Of course, if you buy a raffle ticket ($50 donation), you might find yourself on a plane to Italy, because they’re raffling off a 9 day trip to Italy for two.
After my (too short!) stint studying abroad in Florence, Italy in grad school (highly recommend summer pastry school!), I developed a fierce love for Italian culture, so you best believe I won’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience the magic of Italy without flying across the pond. I’ll see you there!
*You can sign up for the Spina Stomp, Sugo cook-off, and the bocce tournament on their website. The Spina Stomp will take place at 3:55, 5:45, and 6:30 p.m., and the Bocce Ball Tournament begins at 3:05 p.m. sharp, and the winners will receive trophies and prizes. Be sure to sign up, because space is limited to the first 64 players, with a waiting list of 12 people. Once the tournament ends around 6 p.m., the courts will be open to all guests to play.
