The 89th Festa Italia, celebrating Monterey’s Italian heritage and cultural traditions, will be held on September 9-11, 2022. This special festival honors the local fishermen of Monterey, both past and present.
This popular family-friendly free event shares the sights, sounds, food and culture that make the Italian experience so special. It is a celebrated festival each year drawing locals and visitors from the Bay Area and beyond. It features three days of authentic Italian cuisine, great music, dancing, fun and friendship. The delicious flavors of Italy are enjoyed by attendees with tasty food offerings (for purchase) as well as wine, beer, sodas and water. There is also an array of Italian and Festa Italia-themed merchandise as well as vendors selling crafts and more. There will be a table of information from three local historic organizations, including the International Catholic Federation, Italian Heritage Society of the Monterey Peninsula and Friends of Isola delle Femmine.
The first Festa Italia in Monterey was celebrated in 1933 when a statue of Santa Rosalia, the patron saint of Sicilian fishermen, was donated to the San Carlos Cathedral. Sicilian fishermen would pray to their patron saint for a safe journey and bountiful harvest.
Additional information can be found at www.FestaItaliaMonterey.org
Schedule of events
Saturday, September 10, 2022
11:30 am -12 Noon Opening Ceremonies
Opening Ceremonies and Procession to Old Fisherman’s Wharf at 11:30 am for the traditional blessing of the fishing fleet followed by entertainment and all event activities through 9 pm. Vitalba Gammicchia, Vice Council Commerce, will be on-site representing the Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco.
- 12:00 - 1:00 pm Mike Marotta and Friends
- 1:15 pm - 2:15 pm Anthony Lane Band
- 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Pasquale Esposito
- 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm Anthony Lane Band
- 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Pasquale Esposito
- 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm 831 ALLSTAR Band
Sunday, September 11, 2022
- 12:00 - 1:00 pm Anthony Lane Band
- 1:15pm - 2:15 pm Pasquale Esposito
- 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Mike Marotta and Friends
- 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm Anthony Lane Band
- 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Pasquale Esposito