Welcome to the Festa Italiana Main Music Stage, Presented by Coca Cola! Here, guests can immerse themselves in the vibrant sounds and captivating dances of Italy. 

We're thrilled to announce our 2025 Headliner, Vanessa Racci! A talented vocalist and touring artist of Italian descent, Vanessa brings her passion for retro jazz and the timeless music of Italian Americans to life. With her enchanting vocals and captivating stage presence, she breathes new life into classic pop and jazz tunes, leaving every audience member feeling nostalgic and connected. 

Enjoy stellar performances by the University of Montevallo Jazz Band, led by Dr. Joe Ardovino, featuring unique arrangements of beloved Italian music.

Don't miss Ken Gilmer as he pays tribute to legends Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.

Must see Alabama Music Hall of Fame Razz Ma Tazz, with our own Italian drummer Henry Lovoy, and special vocals from Tommy Vacarella, Frank Ranelli, and Hoover’s Mayor Frank Brocato, as they serenade us with the iconic "Che Luna." 

Watch the popular "Magic City Tappers," an adult tap group made up of all ages and stages who love to make noise!

Cheer on the winners of $15,000 in college scholarships presented by the Italian American Heritage Society of Birmingham!

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Get ready for an exciting experience at the Main Stage, where Nikki Noto Palmer and Matt Scalici will be your dynamic Emcees! Their energy and charisma promise to keep you engaged and entertained throughout the event. Don't miss out on the fun as they guide you through an unforgettable lineup!​

Get ready to immerse yourself in the lively spirit of Little Italy! Take a delightful stroll through our Festa Food Village, where the mouthwatering scents of sausage-and-pepper sandwiches and fried dough will tantalize your senses. Indulge in the scrumptious treats from our authentic vendors...crispy cannoli and refreshing gelato that will make your taste buds dance! Don't miss out—stay tuned for the exciting announcement of our 2025 food vendors, bringing even more Italian goodness your way!

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Some of our Food Vendors include:

Hey Bebe

Burke's

Slice Pizza & Brew

Feast

Iz Cafe

Tre Luna

Uncle G's Pizza

Villagio Colafrancesco

Graffeo Brother Italian Sausage

Da Big Italian

Carrabba's Italian Grill

Tamburro’s Italian Home
 

2025 Food Vendor Application available at the bottom of each of the web pages. ​

Traina/Tortorigi Villagio is a meticulously crafted replica of a quaint Italian village nestled under twinkling lights and adorned with beautiful Italian imagery and a grand fountain at the heart of the village. Visitors will encounter a church, a bakery, a museum & more. There will be information about starting your ancestry research and dual citizenship. ​

As you stroll around the Village, you will be entertained by our Italian singers, Frank Caravella, our talented accordion player, our juggling jester and don't forget to get a selfie with the iconic Mona Lisa.   

At 5:15, there will be a procession (an old Italian tradition) around the Village carrying one of Italy's patron saints accompanied with musicians, singers, dancers and all who wish to join in. ​

For centuries grapes were picked by hand and grape stomping was the method used to extract juice from the grapes which were then used to make wine. It is believed that grape stomping goes back as far as Rome in 200 BC.  We won’t make wine from our Grape Stomp, only FUN!

The Spina Stomps will take place at

3:55, 5:45 and 6:30.  Our Emcees are the awesome hilarious Tommy Vacarella from Atlanta, and Birmingham's own Mike Lorino, both known for their flavorful commentary!

Each team consists of a Stomper and a Swabby (helper). The teams compete against their rivals to create and collect as much grape juice as possible in a messy and frenetic 3-minute stomp! Participants, be ready to jump in with both feet and make some vino! Your rules are as follows:

Stompers must use bare feet.
Only one team member may stomp at a time. Each four-minute heat allows 3 minutes of stomping and 1 minute of juice collecting. A five-gallon jug is used to collect the juice. The collected juice is measured by the judges, encouraged by the audience, of course!​

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Link to sign up at the bottom of each page.

​Buona Fortuna to all Contestants!!​​

Dating back to games played in the Roman Empire, Bocce (which means bowl) has now developed into its current form…and is one of the most popular sports in the world. Bocce is an Italian lawn bowling game where the object is to roll a brightly colored ball closet to a similar white ball called a Pallino. Closet ball to the Pallino wins the game.

This year we will have three courts - two for the 64 person, single elimination Bocce Ball tournament and one for open play throughout the day. Tournament rules, regulations and other important details will be included in the registration packet.  There is no cost to enter. The winner and runner up will receive trophies and prizes.

This year Lakeshore Foundation, our Presenting Sponsor, will be exhibiting their brand of Bocce, called Boccia. This modern day version of Boccia was developed as a competitive sport for individuals with cerebral palsy, but since has been expanded to include any athlete with a severe disability which requires the use of a wheelchair. Lakeshore Foundation has been awarded the National Boccia Team for the United States and will be training and fielding a team to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Paralympics Games.

Come see and learn why Bocce/Boccia is soaring in popularity!

Link to sign up at the bottom of the page!

Step into our vibrant Mercato where the spirit of Italy not only comes alive but also envelops you in a warm, festive atmosphere! As you wander through our market stalls, you'll be greeted by the sounds of Italian music, the chatter of excited shoppers, and the enticing scents of authentic Italian cuisine.  Discover the taste of Italy with delectable Italian cookies and premium olive oils, all while the feeling of Italy surrounds the air. Come see the fashion and accessories: Adorn yourself with beautiful jewelry and stylish clothing in an environment that feels like a stroll through the streets of Rome. Enhance your living space with soaps, candles, elegant art and decor, surrounded by the comforting ambiance of a traditional Italian market. With so many talented vendors present there are an array of unique items, there's surely something for everyone! 

Some of our Vendors include:

Two L's Creations

Bethlehem Shop

Costa Olive Oil

Designsbyggdecatur

The Hat Bar

Blind Dog Biscuit

Victoria M. Davis Art

Elemental Designs

Drip Spring Hollow Farm

De la Cruz by Elvia

The Italian Cookie Company

Join us at Festa Italiana for a fun-filled family affair! We have a special area dedicated just for children, where they can enjoy a variety of hands-on activities and entertainment. It's the perfect way for the little ones to create lasting memories and parents can relax and enjoy the festivities! Don't miss out on the excitement!

The Annual Procession honoring St. Joseph is a cherished Italian tradition, filled with reverence and community spirit. Led by altar servers bearing the cross, a priest and deacon guides the procession, followed by the solemn paseo carrying the statue of St. Joseph, lovingly carried by The Knights of Columbus. Amidst the haunting melody of dirges and the recitation of the litany of the saints, villagers don their traditional attire, joining in the procession with heartfelt devotion.

Bringing joy to the occasion, children dance along, celebrating the beloved saint and the bonds of faith and culture that unite us.

During the Festa, watch as our very own procession is accompanied with musicians, singers, dancers and all who wish to join in!

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Join us at the Festa Italian Car Showcase! Experience a stunning array of Italian cars, from vintage classics to the latest models. Whether you're a fan of Ferr, Fiats, Maseratis, or Lamborghinis, there's something for every car enthusiast to admire. Don't miss this exciting celebration of Italian automotive excellence!

If you think you have what it takes then please sign up for our annual Sugo Showdown! 

Application coming soon

Buona Fortuna to all Contestants!!