Festa Italiana Seattle 2007

 
Italian Festival

Grape Stomp GirlsWelcome to Seattle's 21st Annual - Festa Italiana! Festa Italiana is a series of events held the last week of September which culminates in a major Italian Festival at Seattle Center. For the past 20 years Festa Italiana has celebrated the cultural roots of Italians and Italian-Americans by presenting and promoting the arts, the food and the spirit that are uniquely Italian. (Photo by Bruce Turner)

Come join us in the beautiful Fisher Pavilion and the surrounding grounds and buildings at Seattle Center as once again we present the Taste of Italy, Friday, September 26, and the 21st Annual Italian Festival, September 27 & 28, 2008.

Our highlights include Christina Pirello headlining a great schedule of cooking demos, a free all-ages concert starring The Gaylords on Saturday, and two performances daily of "La Cenerentola" (Cinderella) by the Carter Family Marionettes. By popular demand, the Salumi Salami Challenge is back again as well.

As always, again we will offer a wide array of cultural and educational opportunities in which to participate and learn. For example, this year, we have an exhibit about injustices perpetrated against Italian-Americans during WWII. Year after year, however, our main attractions continue to be food, entertainment, and fun for the entire family!

Festa Calendar

Sunday, September 21
Traditional Mass in Italian
11:00 AM at Mt. Virgin Church
1531 Bradner Place South, Seattle
Free Reception to follow.

Tuesday, September 23
The Italian Club presents
The Festa Italiana Luncheon
11:30 AM in the beautiful Garden Court
of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel
in downtown Seattle. Presentation of the
Gill Centioli Memorial Award to an
outstanding local Italian-American.

Friday, September 26
"Taste of Italy" Wine Tasting
& Opening Reception
6:30 PM at Seattle Center.
Great wine, antipasto & live music
Saturday-Sunday, September 27 & 28
The 20th Annual Italian Festival
at the Seattle Center
Everyone is invited - Admission is FREE!

"Una Storia Segreta"

Never before seen in Seattle, this dramatic photo exhibit details the internment of Italians and Italian-Americans at the beginning of WWII, the restrictions on their possessions and the evacuation of thousands from "prohibited zones" on the West Coast. A fascinating look at our immigrant history. More > >


Plus, this year at Festa, you can win a Deluxe Home Espresso Maker plus a year’s supply of LavAzza coffee!

Italia Seattle


2007 Festa Celebbrity Chef

Learn culinary secrets from the masters at the "Great Italian Chefs" cooking demonstrations outdoors in the piazza featuring a nationally-known Celebrity Chef and local chefs from Seattle's best Italian restaurants.

It's Christina! Celebrity Chef for Festa Italiana 2008 will be Festa Celebbrity Chef, Nick Stellinodynamic television personality and renowned macrobiotic cookbook author Christina Pirello. For ten years now, Christina has appeared on Public Television in Christina Cooks! seen locally on KCTS Channel Nine. She is also an instructor at Drexel University and conducts seminars nationwide, making her one of the country's most popular celebrity chefs. She also also edits the magazine, "Christina Cooks" and runs the website christinacooks.com.

Christina joins a great roster of Italian chefs that have appeared at the Italian Festival through the years. Last year, we welcomed back Nick Stellino whose engaging personality and expertise made Cucina Amore one of Public Television's most popular cooking series. In 1996, Nick was the first Celebrity Chef to appear on the "Great Italian Chefs" cooking stage. Since then we have featured such culinary stars as Mario Batali, Giuliano Bugialli, Biba Caggiano, Michael Chiarello, Rocco DiSpirito, Mary Ann Esposito, Michael Lomonaco and Michol Negrin. Schedule for 2008. Recipes from 2007 individual chefs go to the old page here.


The Gaylords

Eh, Cumpari! Relive the magic of the 1950's when Italian music and ethnic comedy were king. Legendary vocal group The Gaylords will headline a free all-ages concert Saturday night in the Fisher Pavilion.

 


A prosciutto & salami curing contest sponsored by the world famous Armandino's Salumi. With both Professional and Homemaker Division, last year, we had entries from all over the West Coast of America! More < <

Festa Grape Stomp
Bolla Grape Stomp - Jump in with both feet and make wine as they used to in the old country. Put together a three-person team and compete for tee-shirts and great prizes. What a Show! Click here for Grape Stomp information.

Bocce Tournament
DeLaurenti Bocce Tournament - Now in the Center House, this Italian version of lawn bowling is always one of our most popular events. Click here for rules and Bocce information.

Festa Italiana Seattle Exhibits

Attractions and exhibits include Italian and Italian-American arts and crafts, an Italian Classic Vehicle show, FOTOITALIANA Gallery Show of contemporary Italy, an Italian Film Festival, and a chance to relive memories of Seattle's original Italian families in the Historical Photo Display. Plus pizza, pasta, prosciutto, salumi, focaccia, gelato, espresso and more!


Want a Complete List of Vendors & Exhibitors? Click Here!


come for the food - stay for the fun

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