Italian American Heritage Society to host the cultural festival at National Historic Landmark Sloss Furnaces to celebrate Italian heritage.
Published: May 29, 2024
Prepare for a day filled with the vibrant sights, sounds and a kiss of Italy as the first Festa Italiana comes to Birmingham’s National Historic Landmark Sloss Furnaces on June 15, 2024. Hosted by the Italian American Heritage Society, a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organization, this event intends to celebrate and preserve Italian culture and heritage in the Birmingham community, while educating others. As Festa Italiana attendees eat and drink their way through the festival, there will be multiple villages to visit along the way.
WHO: Italian American Heritage Society
WHAT: Festa Italiana
WHEN: Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 3 to 10 p.m.
WHERE: Historic Sloss Furnaces – 20 32nd St. N., Birmingham, AL 35222
TICKETS: General Admission: $10 in advance – $15 at the gate
Children 10 and under are free.
WEBSITE: https://www.festaitalianabham.com/
Festa Italiana aims to immerse attendees in all aspects of Italian life, from traditions and foods to language, culture and history. Whether Italian by blood or just at heart, all are welcome to join the festivities and experience a taste of Italy without having to leave Birmingham. The main stage emcee will be media personality Niki Noto Palmer. Palmer is a Birmingham native and University of Alabama graduate looking forward to coming back home for this inaugural event. The festival will feature live musical performances on the mainstage, showcasing talented Italian inspired acts. Perfectly paired with the memorable performances, attendees can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, with over 40 merchandise vendors, Italian cars and dozens of food vendors serving up a variety of favorites including cannolis, Italian sausage, gelato and more. There will also be cooking demonstrations, dancing, the Spina Stomp grape stomping event sponsored by Sam Spina. Louis Ardovino, owner of The Upside Down Shoe Repair company in Homewood, will emcee Spina Stomp. Attendees are also invited to play in a bocce ball tournament. Sign ups for all competitions are open now and can be found here.
“The purpose of the Italian American Heritage Society of Birmingham is to encourage, promote and preserve Italian culture and heritage with its activities centered upon Italian traditions.” says Tina Savas, Co-Chair of Festa Italiana.“We are thrilled to bring Festa Italiana to the Birmingham community to celebrate and honor our heritage and traditions. ”