Pioneer Square transforms into Piazza Italia this weekend

Festa Italiana kicks off Thursday with Opera in the Piazza at 7pm. The festivities continue through Sunday.

Festa Italiana celebrates Italian culture and heritage of Italian-Americans in the Portland metropolitan area. Local Italian-American organizations have united their efforts to produce this unique event with a special invitation to friends of Italy (wannabes) of the local community to share in this celebration. Nearly 300 volunteers along with several generous sponsors provide this “labor of love” and contribute to the success of this outstanding celebration.

This is one of my favorite yearly festivals. If there are strolling accordionists, I’m there!

Grab a table in the beer and wine garden in the SW corner of Pioneer Square and enjoy the entertainment on the stage below. Anthony Rolando, U.S. accordion champion, and singer Valerie Vacco perform at 4:15 on Friday, 6:15 on Saturday, and 2:15 on Sunday.

There are lots of other things going on too though . . .

Each day there is non stop Italian entertainment, food, dancing, vino and beer. We celebrate Italian-American culture and have a lot of fun doing it. Children love our old fashion marionette show, pizza toss, grape stomp and face painters. This year come see beautiful street art by Italian born Cristina Cottarelli ( you will love her work). We also have a fantastic raffle (not cakes) we are offering trip’s to Italy, Hawaii and even a motor scooter in a second raffle. This is a great raffle and it helps support Festa Italiana. See you there.