This weekend marks a significant celebration in downtown Scranton as La Festa Italiana reaches its 50th anniversary. The event attracts visitors from all around, eager to indulge in the rich offerings of food, music, and Italian traditions.
Taking place from Friday to Monday in Courthouse Square, the festival features nearly 70 vendors and a variety of nonstop entertainment celebrating Italian culture.
“We’re just happy to be able to promote the heritage, but also promote Scranton,” stated Chris DiMattio, the long-serving president of La Festa Italiana.
Celebrating a Milestone
This year’s 50th iteration coincides with the United States’ 250th anniversary and traces its roots back to the nation’s Bicentennial celebrations in 1976. Back then, Robert W. Pettinato, a Lackawanna County Commissioner, launched the festival intending it to be “as a gift that could keep on giving,” drawing initially 20,000 attendees with 40 vendors.
Over the years, the festival has grown significantly in size and scope, now accommodating over 100,000 visitors in some years. “It’s continued to be a family festival with a lot of things to do, a lot of amenities for any participant, young or old,” DiMattio explained.
A Festive Atmosphere
Courthouse Square transforms into a lively piazza, resembling a traditional Italian town square bustling with social and cultural activities. Attendees can enjoy cappuccinos, witness street performances, and even learn games like bocce and Morra, with some musical artists flown in directly from Italy.
Among the traditions upheld is the annual Mass conducted in Italian, held at the Cathedral of St. Peter. “I think we’re really fortunate that we’ve maintained the tradition,” DiMattio noted, as this service attracts visitors from across states.
The festival also includes unique events such as an Italian car show and a variety of exclusive food vendors, all contributing to the vibrant atmosphere.
Entertainment and Events
The festival promises a packed schedule of entertainment, featuring music, dance, and various performances, including a special tribute by the Gene Dempsey Orchestra in honor of its founder, Gene “Dempsey” Passarella. The 14th Annual Captain James R. Minicozzi Memorial Race and a cannoli eating contest are also part of the lineup.
Click here for the full entertainment schedule.
This year, a free shuttle service connects visitors between La Festa and Railfest, a railroading heritage event at Steamtown National Historic Site, which celebrates its 40th anniversary as a national park site.
Parking is available at several garages for a $6 all-day rate, with festival hours set from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday.
For more information, visit lafestaitaliana.org or La Festa Italiana di Lackawanna County on Facebook.
