Festa Italiana!

I am Italian. 

Yes, I know that you are probably double checking my last name and associating that it is not an Italian name, but an English one. As a matter of fact, I am 25% Italian: my grandfather is a full blooded Italian. Why we don't have an Italian name relates to a family issue that has been lost in translation through the years. 

My father comes from a family of seven children, born to a full blooded Italian father and a mother who has a mixed European heritage. No members of my dad's side of the family can speak Italian, not even my grandfather. Italian Americans, for a long time and especially with my relatives, were not taught to embrace their culture. For a long time, they were discriminated against as well. My grandfather has the recollection of being forced to sit at the back of a bus when he was younger. While people might not realize it, for a long time, Italian Americans were subjected to racism, violence, and prejudice. 

That's why it's got to be awesome for all of us Italians out there to be able to accept and celebrate our heritage (though honestly, it has taken a while.) And it's awesome for non Italians, too. 

Festa Italiana was situated on Harriet Island in St. Paul for September 21st and 22nd, on a chilly fall weekend. Lining the streets when you walked in were various vendors sporting authentic, divine Italian foods.

Cannolis, meatballs, pizza, and of course pasta, were well known items that were presented. I couldn't help but chow down two of the cannolis that were being sold by Cossetta's—the shells' crunchy and sugary taste contrasted amazingly with the sweet, rich fluffiness of the ricotta cheese, and the chocolate chips were a nicely added touch.

I also bought some biscotti, a favorite of mine since I was little, and even though it wasn't fresh, I was just happy that it was there. Also I happened to sample the calamari by Buon Giorno Italian Market, which while was a bit too salty for my taste, was delicately fried and tantalizingly good with a pinch of lemon. The meatballs on a stick from Duke were satisfying enough, and Pazzaluna's rich and fluffy tiramisu (also a favorite of mine) was definitely worth the six dollars it cost to try. 

But the attractions of Festa Italiana did not just stop with the culinary works of art that were featured. A classic boat and yacht show was lined up on the docks of the Mississppi River, as well as a line of exotic Italian cars featuring Lamborginis, Maseratis, and Ferraris—some of which were available for purchase.

On the bandstand there was a constant lineup of musicians, one of whom was a Dino impersonator that I quite enjoyed; not to mention the amount of organ players that lined up along the looping paths. A Catholic Mass was also offered on Saturday to the public. Soccer games were being played and vendors sold their wares. I happened to buy one of the most comfortable shirts I have ever had the pleasure of owning that flaunts my pride in my heritage. 

The authentic gondola ride was definitely my most favorite thing. While there was only one boat to go around and you did have to share it with other people, the aesthetically pleasing aspects of being in a gondola were breathtaking. Being that close to the water was gorgeous, and the only thing that could have made it better was for me to go on the ride at night, rather than in the day. If gondola rides are that cool in Minnesota, imagine how indescribable it would be for you to go on a ride in Italy. 

Fantastic. 

One final thing I will mention about the festival is that people like my father and uncle were able to trace back their own lineage through the records of St. Paul. It was sort of sentimental for me to be able to see them enthusiastically point out relatives and people that they knew. So many people had gathered around to try to find their friends and relatives. It's amazing how all of this was put together, and was able to bring so many people together. 

I'm definitely going next year too! 

For more information on Festa Italiana, click on the link.