Little Italy Festa

On April 30, 2016 I had the opportunity with a friend to enjoy the art work at Little Italy Street Faire. It inspired me to get in touch with my creative side. So, I think I am going to bring out the camera and start playing with it. I spoke to a gentleman who had shot this beautiful picture of a cave with the sun shinning in. When asked how he did that, he stated he kept the light on for five minutes. I did not understand that, so now I realize I need to take a photo class.
There are so many creative people in this world and they produce their creativity as work and they enjoy it. I was speaking to a friend and talking about taking chances and she said she «follows her happiness.» Irregardless of the consequences, she says things just work out, put it out there to the universe and the universe can guide you. How interesting…
I was famish when I arrived, but I was distracted by the art, the music, the dancers and finally we were able to eat. I bought chicken tacos at one of the stands, which were a waste of money. I should have tried the ceviche. Na Pizza was recommended at first, but I was like, I don’t want pizza. Later we ate at Na Pizza and it was excellent! They had a salad that also looked good. I will go back and eat there again.
Little Italy has several events during the year which are free. This was one of them. The other two I know of is the Sicilian Festival and the Italian Festival. All are free.

A BLAST! Bring comfy shoes, a hat and lots of cash. come early, find parking –and enjoy all the food, the vendors, the bands that are set up, with chairs. Just amazing! and leave your pets at home. There are to many people, and there is food that falls on the ground that could be dangerous for them to eat!
The only thing I noticed that did not make sense to me– People bringing their Dogs, especially little ones. HALL PASS FOR SERVICE ANIMALS YES– all day long.
but the little dogs, please consider leaving them at home– it was heartbreaking to see them suffer in the heat, and I kept seeing little dogs leashes get tripped on, and their poor little feet stepped on, and not to mention, their feet do not take kindly to the hot asphalt– and the noises and crowds scared many of them.***** I love my dog, and take her to many places, but NOT for Festa, I left her home. Just WAY to many people and extreme temperatures. **
I am a HUGE animal lover, and pet owner. Not being a hater– just thinking of the animals welfare.

I live in Little Italy and I think that the Little Italy Festa is A-​OK. It’s not as big as you think; I think the Farmer’s Market is about the same size, to be honest. There are lots of vendors and stages for performers. The sidewalk chalk art is amazing and worth checking out! There’s a contest every year where the audience can vote for which art piece they think is the best. This year, there was a play area where kids can have fun with giant inflatable things like a slide and obstacle course.
I’m only giving it 3 stars because I work night shifts at a hospital and I was trying to sleep through this circus but kept hearing old Italian men singing and playing the accordion since my apartment is right where the action is.

This little festival is cute, and right in the heart of Little Italy where the farmer’s market usually is, but the event is on Sunday. Lots of vendors out selling their wares, some Italianesque, some not at all. It’s kind of a hodge podge of stuff, and various tents of folks selling food. The highlights of the festival for me were the bocce ball tournament and the chalk art– the chalk art is always so nice, and I particularly enjoy seeing the work that the students too– some of it is really impressive! Ironside had a dollar oyster special going on right in front of their restaurant, which was a special treat. Lots of live music and dancing at both ends of the festa. Overall it’s a nice way to spend a lazy Sunday morning or afternoon.

Parking is out of control and paid $ 20! All it is is crowds, fair food, overpriced vendors, and music for old people. The only good thing is the dog friendliness and the fact that there were some places to sit… but not many. Not worth the crowds and parking hassle. Skip

Well First of all. My girlfriend and I got there a little late. About 1pm. We had been up all night driving back from Halloween Horrors in Universal Studios. so we had slept in. We knew that parking was going to suck due to to getting there late and well its a festival in downtown. So we anticipated the worse. As we got there we happen to see a parking structure in the 610 West Ash building and the guy waved us in for only 10 dollars. We were parked right at the beginning of Festa. We had scored. No extra walking. We walk out of the building and right onto a stick ball game. We watched as the players ran around. The crowd was very into the game. As the game finished we decided to head into the vendors area. Before another game started. And I think Julie wanted to play. Maybe just hit the ball.
We were both hungry and could smell all the yummy food. We started towards the food but she found a vendor selling hats. She walked out with 3 hats. She knows how to work a deal. 2 for her and on for her 1 yr old niece. We walked about 12 feet and found another vendor selling fresh squeezed lemon aid. Of course we got some. As hungry as we were we did more shopping than eating. We did have some great meat balls in sauce. And some Italian Butter bread. We bought the 4 pack (variety). But like I said we mainly shopped. 2 t shirts and 1 sweat shirt from the the vendor that has had his designs come out on The Big Bang Theory. She got a case for her sun glasses and we about walked into every vendors shop. We even got registered for a trip. We did go into the restaurant PoPazzo right on the street. We had calamari and a beer while we caught the end of the Raider/​Charger game.
While walking around we got to enjoy the drawings on the street. That is some great talent. Some were life like. And a couple were 3D. I was very impressed in this part of the Festa. Don’t know who won but they were all winners to me. Well except the one sponsored by Unilocal.Not sure what happened. But the canvas was empty. All there was at very bottom, 1 star out of 5. I had to laugh. Just for the Irony. But over all great pictures.
We ventured around took in the music at 2 spots and even danced a bit with all the festive locals. As Festa ended, we took all our goodies that we had bought to the car and we decided to have dinner there in Little Italy. We went to La Villa. And basically had a great Sunday with a wonderful evening.

We stumbled upon Little Italy Festa 2014 by accident– we came for brunch nearby before leaving San Diego. We were so glad it was going on!
The booths featured all sorts of things– some not so Italian (Hawaiian food, Philadelphia cheesesteaks, cheap sunglasses) and some very Italian (sausages, gelato, pasta, garlic graters, etc.). I picked up a small present for my mother for $ 20, and we enjoyed walking around and looking at all the booths. The artists drew some AMAZING chalk art that we stopped and stared at for awhile. And we also saw some pretty amazing people at the festival rocking Italian-​themed shirts… I think my favorite was a group of guys with MASSIVE arms (gym, tan, laundry anyone?) wearing shirts that said «FBI: Full-​Blood Italian». We didn’t get to spend as much time there as we wanted, but it was pretty packed by the time we left around 11:30am. Definitely check it out next year!

The best chalk walk!

Little Italy Festa for 2013 has come and gone, but not before it left a lasting positive impression on me. The festival this year had a an overwhelming number of specialty vendors and food being provided by local restaurants and vendors.
In addition to the entertainment, (
) I was most impressed by the local artist that were busily chalking up murals with their imaginative creations. (
) The artist I spoke to were very friendly and enjoyed talking about their work. In fact, one of the artist was a former student from where I work. (
) That was very cool.
The foods were amazing, the crowds were elbow to elbow, and the people watching was alright…
Until next year…

If it weren’t for the chalk artists and some food items the essence of Italy was just not there at the Festa. This is especially true with the entertainment. I did not see any prominent acts with genuine Italian music. It was rather dismal. Whatever happened to the group that had the colorful parade and great Italian music? It was so much fun to get up and dance to Italian classics, not to mention the Chicken Dance!
I think I will skip it next year.

Super busy… but that’s to expect. great food peeps, a lot of different wine gardens. Parking Sucks…

I live in this neighborhood, so it’s more of a day that I avoid, since I walk the neighborhood everyday, I try to avoid the crowd.
Maybe if they’d actually call it the festival of San Genaro like its true namesake, instead of trying to appease the masses, I’d get a lot more excited. Call it by what it’s really supposed to be called. It’s LITTLE ITALY for Gods Sake! We can proud of being Italian and we can be proud of being Catholic. Bring on the real Italian Food, real Italian festivities. Block off the streets, stop with the BEER-​PRISON, seriously! The whole idea of being chained up and put behind chain linked fencing to sip a beer on a 100 degree day, isn’t great, open it up and let people roam free with their beer and cocktails, seriously this is AMERICA. And this is Little Italy, thee best neighborhood in SD.
Please call it a festival and name it after a saint, stop with FESTA. Let’s get more into the Catholic roots.

It does get more and more crowded each year. It’s getting to the point that they may need to hold it over two days instead of one. You can barely move and I concur with another reviewer that felt claustrophobic over the ordeal.
That being said it is good fun and there is some pretty nice eating. Café Zucchero’s cannolo’s were a little subpar this year. I’m hoping it was simply due to being overwhelmed by the quantity needed. They took some definite shortcuts in the preparation.
Absent was the citrus taste via slices of candied orange in each end and I don’t recall any chocolate chips either (or barely any). It did have the usual nice cream cheese sourness and a crunchy tasty shell. Their zeppole or cassatini? (Italian donut stuffed with sweetened ricotta cheese). Table sugar is dusted on the exterior with a few sporadic chocolate chips inside. There is no citrus taste here either. I may have to start getting the zeppole/​cassatini as it is a bit tastier than the cannolo. I’ll have to visit the café outside of the festa to see if the cannolo is stuff up to snuff.
Panetteria’s cannolo didn’t have a cinnamon taste which was appreciated. It had a nice strong cream cheese sour tang, very tasty shell, smooth texture and very few chocolate chips. Caffe Italia brews some nice java and has a yummy espresso pudding.
There are a lot more vendors selling merchandise (not food related) this year. The food exhibitors seem to be the same as last year for the most part. A couple of new cafes or restaurants have opened on the street which is nice to see. All in all this is a good event, but the «cattle call» is getting to be a bit extreme for someone who avoids amusement parks like the plague for that very reason.

Now that I live right in the heart of Little Italy, I was giddy when I learned that the Little Italy Festa was going to be taking place just a week after I moved in to my new ‘hood. The Festa is obviously very popular, evidenced by the elaborate preparations that take place days in advance. Walking along Kettner Blvd. and India St., I noted crews working tirelessly throughout the day and night in anticipation of the neighborhood festivities.
On Sunday, the day of the grand event, I awoke to the sounds of an eclectic mix of Italian music blaring from all directions. My feet didn’t hit the pavement until around 10:30am or so, and the streets were already teeming with activity. The smell of pizza, pasta, burned mozzarella, and scores of other Italian classics monopolized the air of several city blocks. It was wonderful. I was fairly behaved and managed leaving the Festa with only one slice of pizza and a cup of frozen yogurt planted in my gut. All considering, I was proud of my self-​control and restraint. :)
The vendors primarily consisted of those offering warm food items. One local vendor in particular that impressed me was showcasing their olive oils. The BF and I enjoyed playing with and sampling the various flavor combinations. Aside from that, I was a bit disappointed that there wasn’t more representation by the local art community, unless, of course, I missed it by some mistake.
All in all, it was a nice way to start the morning. Supporting the local community (small businesses) at these events is special, and I encourage everyone else to do the same.

I’m so cynical about the dime-​a-​dozen street fairs in San Diego, but the Little Italy Festa is a standout. Definitely one of the best. At most of these type of events, I show up with high expectations, stroll up and down the street once, realize that it’s just vendors selling useless tchotchkes, and leave feeling disappointed and dejected.
But not Festa.
I visited Festa this past Sunday and met someone special.
She has no name. She’s simply known as the Italian Bride.
I don’t know what New Jersey-​inspired reality show spawned her (I suspect it was the Real Housewives of NJ), and I don’t care. Wherever she came from, I WANT MORE OF THIS WOMAN!
A never-​ending sea of jet-​black curls.
A white wedding dress that she had no right wearing.
Hooker heels that would make a drag queen jealous.
(She winked at me and said she wanted to take me home. It was almost enough to make me want to turn breeder.)
The Italian Bride alone would’ve been enough for Festa to deserve all the stars in the world, but there was plenty else. Compared to her, it was all icing on the cake:
***A chalk-​art contest that was much more impressive and professional than I expected.
***A stickball tourney.
***An Italian cooking demo (with generous free samples).
***Lots of free music, especially opera (if you’re into that sort of thing).
L O V E S I T !
p. s. Here’s a parking tip– avoid the chaos on the blocks surrounding India. Leave your car in Bankers Hill (lots of free curb there) and make the 5-​min walk down Grape or Hawthorn. Easy peazy and no stress whatsoever.

Dear Little Italy,
I love you, you know that. But I just can’t be around you when there are so many people out and about, competing for your attention and the delicious food you offer.
It’s not you. It’s me. On Sunday I felt a little claustrophobic I should say. It was the first time I feared that you didn’t have room for me in your world anymore. That all of a sudden, the crowds and the people got to your head, and I was shoved to the sidewalk, sweating and alone.
Your Festa seemed like a vertical-​version of your Saturday market, with the additions of a chalk-​art fair, musical performances, and roped-​off beer gardens.
But despite all this, Little Italy, I know it’s my problem, and I understand. It’s a day for the rest of the world to see you in all of your glory, to see how wonderful you are and to invite others to know what you offer all year round.
You’re much less crowded and more romantic and beautiful come nightfall or any other weekend. But you’re still the same! The same great community of people, the same restaurants, the same cafes, were there on Sunday as they are everyday. And if this is going to work out between us, I need to appreciate you for who you are all the time, even at the Little Italy Festa. I’m sorry for being so unkind and intolerant. I’m going to work on this, I promise.
With all my love,
Kat

When the moon hits your eyes, like a big pizza pie
That’s Amore!
This past weekend was the annual Little Italy Festa. Vendors, food booths, entertainers and artists littered the streets of Little Italy, SD to promote culture, fun, and a greater sense of community.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself while admiring the chalk art beautifully displayed on the ordinary asphalt. It’s amazing to see what a piece of chalk and talent can conjure up.
After gazing at the street art, you should sample all the food available and sip on a glass of wine (or 2 or 3) while you prance around to Italian performers and music.
The festa ran from 10am-​6pm on Sunday 10÷10÷10 (make a wish!) in SD’s charming neighborhood of Little Italy. If you haven’t been to this quaint and trendy area, it’s a must visit to check out the yummy Italian restaurants full of pizza, pasta, meatballs, calamari, gelato and canollis and the cute boutique shops.
I personally tried a pink sauce pasta, roasted corn, and meatballs and they were all delish! If I’m ever craving good Italian food, this neighborhood is the place to go.
Parking lots nearby will charge $ 10 – 20, but if you’re a bargain hunter like me, you might luck out and find the free parking lot closer to the harbor with a complimentary shuttle that will drive you directly to the festivities! So mark your calendars for next year’s awesome event! You won’t wanna miss out. =D
Ciao bella!

Little Italy’s annual neighborhood block party stays true to it’s ethnic heritage and the neighborhood’s family/​tourist friendly atmosphere. Four stages of live music, vendor booths and the catering tents of many of the local restaurants fill India St. between Hawthorne and Beech. All are presented with an Italian style and community pride that truly stands out.
Expect large crowds, excellent Italian food, and a family-​friendly atmosphere.
Tips:
— Take the trolley’s blue line and get off at the County Center/​Little Italy stop; otherwise good luck finding parking!
— The event is very dog friendly. There are even cleanup bags available on several corners in the area.
— Bring cash, many vendors cannot accept cards
— Don’t miss the chalk art on Cedar St!
Unfortunately, this event is one day only and ends at 6pm. For those who have to work Sundays or work late, the Festa get missed completely. The event also feels like it needs an evening component; cooler air, good wine and street music would complete a great block party.

Just like the previous Unilocaler-​Joanne A., I also returned again this year to partake in these festivities, but mostly for the Italian chalk art-​which I am a major fan of. This Little Italy Italian Festival of culture is one of the largest single day Italian-​American happenings west of the Mississippi.
With an estimated 100,000 attendees-​it is a celebration of Italian culture, food. music, and art with over 150 food, art, and retail vendors.
I love that the beautiful Our Lady of the Rosary Church is right there and I was able to step in between masses and light a remembrance candle. I enjoyed watching the stick and bocce ball competitions in the streets-​just like in real Italy. The craft booths were interesting and the food offerings were fantastic-pizza’s of all kinds, pasta’s in every combination, delicious antipasto salads! Let’s not forget the Beer and Wine Garden-​a very popular spot of recreation.
As Joanne mentioned-​too many dogs were there getting people tangled in their leashes. I go early in the morning right when they open at 10 a.m. to avoid crowds and mishaps. To get around the abominable parking situation, I always come with my disabled friend and we are always able to score handicapped spots-​thank God!
Best of all is the «Corso degli Artist-​» an Italian tradition since the 16^th century otherwise known as Italian Chalk Painting. Now I have enjoyed this previously at the Santa Barbara Mission over the Memorial Day weekend Madonnari Festival and am constantly amazed at how these artists are able to take their art to the streets-​literally! The Chalk paintings are considered the «Crown Jewel» of the Little Italy Festival and over 100 «street chalkers» use their technicolor skills to create the most beautiful images imaginable. Artists create an Italian-​themed rendition of something Italian-​it can be works of the Italian masters, Italian scenery, or even an image of an Italian person in music, art, science or acting in a standard 5′ x 5′ size. My favorite from both years is always Botticelli’s «The Birth of Venus.»
As the first reviewer noted-​things can get crowded and lines can be long, so best to have patience and cash. I am very proud of my Italian-​American heritage and always looks forward to celebrating it with the rest of the city in glorious Little Italy! Viva la Pasta!

If you’re wondering what to do with friends, loved ones and your beloved pets on a Sunday in sunny San Diego, I suggest you trek over to Little Italy Festa which comes around one day a year.
What are you in for? Good eats, great entertainment and some random fun stuff for kids to do. I noticed a huge inflatable obstacle course along Beech Street, which I don’t remember seeing last year. There’s a huge stage on India between Ash & Beech and a smaller one on India in one of the smaller intersections. There was also a stick ball tournament going on in one of the other blocks nearby.
I love going to events such as this, but parking is a pain, so be prepared to pay for parking in surrounding private lots scattered in this part of town. Even better if you can hop on the blue line Trolley and get dropped off right near all the happenings.
Festa gets packed, so go early and come hungry, but be patient because the food lines can get ridiculously long. I already had breakfast with friends before we got here, but when I was here last year, I enjoyed the calamari and some frozen, gooey Italian Ice.
The entertainment is festive, the chalk art on the street was amazing and there was a good mix of vendors selling their stuff. Last year’s event had over 100,000 visitors and today’s event felt like it had that many, if not more.
I was thirsty and didn’t want to wait in a long line for something cold to sip on, so we walked over to 7 – 11 and got Domo Slurpees with no long line to deal with. There’s at least three 7 – 11’s in Little Italy, so you’re better off going in one of these to stock up on beverages as you cruise down India Street to check out the happenings.
Would I go back? Yeah! It’s fun, everyone seems happy to be there and it was a perfect day to have it in this beautiful city we live in. This was my second year in a row attending Little Italy Festa and I enjoyed it just as much as I did last year, except for the dog poop I stepped on as I was leaving. There were heaps of doggies with their owners, but I was thoroughly grossed out with the fresh pile that some canine left for an innocent bystander to step on. I know, I should have paid more attention, but it was freakin crowded and dog owners are usually more responsible to clean up after their dog. Sucks for me.
My guess is that Festa will be held on Sunday, October 10, 2010. Mark your calendars and go…10/10, easy enough to remember, right? Grazie to the Little Italy Association for putting together a fun event for us to enjoy! Looking forward to going back next year!