Festa Italiana Brings Taste of 'Old Neighborhood' to Mokena

It’s about tradition.

This past Sunday, Mokena Festa Italiana marked the third annual celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Front Street in Mokena.

Among attendees was Bob Lullo, 64, who says he never forgets his roots.

Growing up on 68th & Hermitage, Lullo was part of a neighborhood tradition.

“When you say Festa Italiana you have good food, good entertainment and great people “ Lullo said.

Vince DiFiore and Mokena Mayor Frank Fleischer wanted to bring a taste of the old neighborhood to Mokena. Years back at the former Lady of Mount Carmel parish, the neighborhood celebrated its roots, deep in Italian tradition. Today that tradition lives at Festa Italiana.

Lullo, along with his wife Maryanne have given their time to bring back a piece of that era.

“My entire family is involved in the Festa; it brings back the good ole days. Years ago I would help my dad carry the saint, that’s a memory I’ll always have,” said Lullo.

With the Mokena Festa, new memories are being made for a new generation.

“A lot of young people were singing to Sinatra last year, I thought this is what it was like when I was growing up,” Lullo added.

"It’s all about around a saint and food,” said Antonio DiSabato, owner of Tony’s Villa Rosa located in Chicago Heights and Frankfort.

Born in southern Italy, DiSabato lives his heritage.

"In Europe these festivals are very important because each town has their own saint, each town has their own traditions, dances and folklore. It’s passed on from generation to generation and we celebrate that,” he said.

Tony’s Villa Rosa along with several local Italian businesses such as Mama D’s, Little Al’s, Cravin BBQ, and Anthony’s Pizza will sold their food, desserts and specialties at the soiree.

Joining DiSabato was Suzi Vazquez, owner of Little Joe’s Famous Pizza.

“I’m Italian, so my middle name is fun,” Vazquez added. “ As Italians we always want to feed people and have a good time. I encourage the community to come out and enjoy a little bit of Italy,” she said.

Besides good food, the Festa is about entertainment and lots of it. Frank Rossi, The Fabtones with David Molinari, Vince DiFiore, Carmelo Zaccone and Franco Martorana are just a few of the entertainers that performed.

Another talented group taking part in the Festa was the American Dance team.

“This is American Dance Center's second year of doing Festa Italiana,” said Tracey Villari. She along with her husband Brian are American Dance Studio Directors.”

It's important for us to take part in community events because that's what we strive for, bringing happiness to others. We want to show communities that dance is more than steps, that it's about coming together and bringing smiles and togetherness,” she added.