Festa Italiana

Festa Italiana is Milwaukee’s Italian Fest held at the Summerfest grounds every year. The official website (opens new window) even indicates that this is the largest Italian American festival in the United States! Can you believe it? We really have some major parties here, hey??

Although now I get to enjoy tasty libations like the Lo Duca Lambrusco served throughout the festival – Yum! This is my favorite red wine!

But don’t you worry, non-wine drinkers, there’s plenty of beer, margaritas, martinis, and even a full service bar at this fest!

I’m actually surprised to see how much variety in the beverages is now present at all of the festivals around town. I suppose in competing for business, they’ve got to make finicky drinkers like me happy! :)

Festa Italiana has always been known for its delicate ambiance – yes, you CAN create “ambiance” at a festival – and for its light-hearted crowd. The music selections are delightful, and seem to put everyone in a good mood. There’s also a strong celebration of the arts which always seems to bring out the best in everyone, and an overall good vibe to this festival.

The only things that was "out of the ordinary" was the report that came in of a strange sighting of a giant in Venice! I'm not sure how it happened, but we were all pretty concerned as you can imagine...

Fortunately, we were able to recover from this surprising news, and continue on with the festival.

We were able to catch a performance by the Elegant Gypsies - a couple that performs regularly at Tulip (opens new window), a Mediterranean restaurant located in downtown Milwaukee. I haven't tried this one yet, but I DID just see an offer for them on Groupon (opens new window). If you haven't signed up yet, you should do so now! Major savings on local restaurants and activities.

The Elegant Gypsies were a little bit of jazz, a little bit of Italian, a little bit of gypsy...they were great! I enjoyed them thoroughly with my lambrusco. :)

Of course I would be remiss if I failed to mention the food at Festa Italiana. I didn’t eat much, but what I did get was fabulous!

There are many vendors selling calamari, but I would highly recommend the calamari from Carrabba’s on the North side of the festival. It was almost the best calamari I’ve ever had, and I don’t say that lightly! I had seen this Italian grill open up on the South side and in Brookfield, and I wasn’t particularly eager to go there...but I’m eager now! Excellent!

And if during your visit, it’s as hot as it was during mine, be sure to stop by the water fountain. Oh, I know there are a lot of kids running around in there, but don’t be shy! Get yourself in there and cool off!

I was actually provided with quite a bit of entertainment while hanging out by the fountain...see this manly statue to my left?? Well one couple decided to disrobe their toddler and have him stand between the legs of Adonis for a photo opp. I thought it was hilarious! The fountain “supervisor” did not. She was serious, and she wasn’t having any of it!

I suppose, we’ve got to keep it clean, right folks??

Grazie for visiting this page, and reading my interpretation of Festa Italiana. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did. Ciao!

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