90th Festa Italia - September 8-10, 2023
90th Festa Italia to Return to the Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park in Downtown Monterey on September 8-10, 2023
Save the date for the 90th Festa Italia, celebrating Monterey’s Italian heritage and cultural traditions. Join us for this special festival honoring 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) including Calamari, Steak and Sausage Sandwiches, Pasta, Arancini, Cannoli and more, 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 clothing.
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 fisherman would pray to their patron saint for a safe journey and bountiful harvest. It is important that we remember our cultural heritage and pass it on to future generations. Festa Italia celebrates these traditions and keep our stories, old and new, alive to ensure that our heritage is never lost. Everyone is welcome to join in at this fun, festive event!
At a Glance:
What: 90th Festa Italia held by the Festa Italia Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization
Festival Entry Cost: Free
Where: Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park, Downtown Monterey
When: Friday – Sunday, September 8-10, 2023
Friday, September 8th – 3 pm – 9 pm
Saturday, September 9th – 10 am – 9 pm
Opening Ceremonies and Procession to Old Fisherman’s Wharf for the traditional blessing of the fishing fleet followed by entertainment and all event activities.
Sunday, September 10th – 10 am – 6 pm
Where: Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park, Downtown Monterey
Entertainment (to be announced)
Bocce Tournament – Saturday and Sunday, September 9th and 10th at the bocce courts at the Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park
Tickets are sold for raffles for a variety of prizes (need not be present to win)
Information: (831) 633-4444 or email [email protected]
Additional information on the website: www.FestaItaliaMonterey.org