On Sunday, October 11, from 10am-6pm, Little Italy’s Festa will highlight history, arts, and cuisine from Italy with a host of commemorative events. Now in its 15th year, the free event is the largest single-day Italian American festival west of the Mississippi and is expected to attract more than 120,000 to the historic Little Italy neighborhood. More than 150 food, art, and retail vendors will participate, with special highlights including two entertainment stages with an array of talented musicians and performers, a bocce ball tournament, stickball exhibition game, raffle prizes, an interactive children’s area, and the well-known Gesso Italian Chalk Painting Contest.
Leading up to the event this year, the Little Italy neighborhood will be full of vibrancy as the streets will be filled with a number of unique opportunities to experience the charm of Italian heritage.
Events Leading Up To Festa:
Sunday, October 4 — Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church Special Procession
This self-guided one-mile walk gives people an opportunity to tour the Little Italy neighborhood and experience the charm, history, sights and sounds to enjoy. The one-mile walk is identified by markers permanently displayed on the sidewalks that guide visitors and locals alike on a tour through the neighborhood. During the course of the walk, visitors are welcomed to take note of the unique attributes that make the Business District set apart from other communities nationwide such as:
• Friendly and attentive business owners and residents
• Active public spaces with places to congregate such as the Piazza Basilone, which stands as a tribute to Sgt. John Basilone and serves as a familiar meeting location on India Street
• Vibrant flowers and invitations to ongoing events like Little Italy’s farmer’s market, The Mercato; and the Community’s tribute to its heritage through visibility campaigns such as the banners that line the street light posts featuring famous Italian icons such as Francis Ford Coppola, Mario Andretti, Yogi Berra, and Giada De Laurentis.
One mile walk guides are available by visiting the Little Italy Association office at 1668 Columbia Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (619/233-3898)
Saturday, October 10 —1st Annual FESTA! Metric Century Bicycle Ride
This event will have a rolling start under the famous Little Italy sign to kick-off a 100 km (62 mi) ride through downtown San Diego to Otay Lakes and back. Immediately following the ride, enjoy a post-ride buffet for all participants, including pasta, veggies, and fruit. The veggies and fruit are fresh from Little Italy’s Farmer’s Market, The Mercato, held every Saturday in Little Italy. All riders also receive a custom t-shirt included in their registration for the event. The FESTA! Metric Century is on Saturday, one day before the 15th Annual FESTA! extravaganza on Sunday in Little Italy. Out-of-town riders are invited to make it a weekend visit. Local riders are also welcome to return on Sunday to join in the FESTA! celebration of Italian culture, art, food, and music. More information and special lodging rates can be found by visiting www.shadowtour.com
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