Every year in October, Houston celebrates Italian culture and heritage with the Houston Italian Festival (Festa Italiana). At this time of year, the savory smells of pizza and wine, combined with the beautiful voices of Italian singers, create the impression that you are on vacation in a Tuscan village. The festival is an excellent occasion to make new acquaintances and meet representatives of Houston’s Italian community. Find out more about the four-day Italian extravaganza at houstonski.
The organizer
The event is organized by the Italian Cultural & Community Center (ICCC) on the grounds of St. Thomas University. The ICCC is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Italian heritage. Throughout the year, the ICCC hosts activities such as wine tastings, dinners, film screenings and lectures. Furthermore, the center provides Italian language programs as well as cultural enrichment sessions. The funds raised at the festival go toward the development of the ICCC, the Italian language school, scholarships and other cultural activities.
Brief history of the festival
The history of the festival dates back to 1978, when about 15 booths with colorful roofs were set up throughout the city, covering tables filled with a range of Italian pastries and homemade food prepared by members of the Italian community. Participants sipped wine to the accompaniment of Italian music.
In 1990, the festival was relocated from Sacred Heart Hall to St. Anne Catholic Church. To accommodate a larger crowd, the organizers raised the number of booths to 25, added the popular Italian bowling game Bocce Ball and introduced Italian artists and bands from Houston, Chicago and New York.
Soon after, the owners of Italian restaurants began to participate in the event by setting up stands where they served authentic dishes based on traditional recipes passed down through generations of Italian families. When the organizers decided to donate the proceeds from ticket sales to charity, Italian restaurant owners began offering food for free.
With the growing popularity of the Houston Italian Festival, it kept expanding. In 1993, the event moved to the city center, covering three city blocks and four streets. At the same time, a children’s area and entertainment stages for music and dancing were added. Italian films were screened in the video center, and art stands were filled with jewelry, paintings and sculptures.
In 1996, the festival relocated from the city center to Velvet Park. It was an ideal setting, with oak trees encircling the streets and open areas. In 1999, the event was moved back to the center, where it continued to draw thousands of people. However, the national tragedy of September 11, 2001, threw the festival’s future into question. There were no events in 2003, but the festival-goers met again in 2004. The Houston Italian Festival was then relocated to a new location, thanks to the Farm & Ranch Club which provided a covered pavilion. In addition to the traditional events and stands, there was an Italian car show, and several attractions for children were added. In 2009, the festival established a new tradition on the grounds of St. Thomas University.
Cultural program
The Houston Italian Festival includes social events such as singing, dancing, eating and shopping. Every festival day is filled with nonstop entertainment. Pavement art (painted live by noted artist Carol Wells), puppet shows and a bocce ball tournament (ball game) are among them. There is also children’s entertainment and attractions, such as wine and craft beer tastings, Italian language classes, pasta competitions and so on. All of this is set to Italian music! You may immerse yourself in the fantastic melodies of great local and international singers. Ranging from traditional folk tunes to modern hits, the festival features a range of performances that will make you dance!
The Italian Festival is a true paradise for art lovers. There you will find stands selling traditional Italian products, and if you wish, you can participate in various master classes. The festival’s exhibitions reflect the talent and originality of Italian artists, ranging from elaborate sculptures to exquisite paintings.
You may also enjoy the elegance and style of Italian fashion at fascinating fashion shows. Both well-known designers and new talents demonstrate their work, focusing on the distinct beauty and sophistication of Italian fashion. In addition to clothing, the festival features an exhibition of Italian cars, including both old vintage models and the most recent sports cars. Car enthusiasts will definitely be pleased by the ageless beauty and engineering skills of the Italians.
Aside from cultural events, the festival provides a joyful carnival atmosphere. There, you can enjoy games with your family and friends and make lasting memories. Especially, carnival games and fun rides attract the attention of children. There is even a special area for children at the Houston Italian Festival. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
A significant number of the events take place on five stages, the main one of which is set up for music and dance. Italian movies and food shows are usually presented in a local movie theater. Near the Italian Cultural & Community Center, specialists give classes and practical craft activities for young people.
Whether you have a connection to Italy or simply admire the beauty of Italian traditions, the Houston Italian Festival offers an unforgettable experience filled with fun.
Gastronomic paradise
Italian food deserves special attention, from its classic pasta and pizza to its delectable desserts like cannoli and tiramisu. You will be able to enter the pasta eating contest, in which participants compete to see who can eat the most pasta in the shortest amount of time. This is a fun and thrilling event that is sure to make you laugh.
The Sapori d’Italia festival market offers a treasure trove of authentic Italian products. You can walk through shops filled with delectable treats and traditional Italian ingredients to bring a piece of Italy home with you. Culinary professionals can also teach you the mysteries of Italian cuisine. Interactive cooking demonstrations provide insight into the techniques that make Italian cuisine so popular.
Of course, no Italian holiday is complete without some great wine. Visitors to the festival can enjoy wine tasting and learn about the various flavors of Italian vineyards. At the festival, you will not only be able to drink wine, but you will also be able to stomp grapes as they do in authentic Italian vineyards. Participate in a traditional grape stomping event, roll up your sleeves, dive into the barrel and unleash your inner winemaker!
Thus, the Houston Italian Festival is a vibrant event dedicated to Italian culture, cuisine and community. The festival draws guests not only from Houston but also from throughout the country because of its rich history, energetic atmosphere and broad choice of events. Everyone will find something to their liking, whether they are food lovers who want to sample delectable Italian cuisine, music fans who want to see live performances or simply cultural spectators.