About
La Festa Italiana, northeastern Pennsylvania’s largest celebration of culture and cuisine, will again be held over the Labor Day weekend, Saturday through Monday, on Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton. Since 1975, a small group of dedicated volunteers has staged La Festa Italiana. The committee donates its proceeds to local charities. We are working hard to make this year’s event better than ever.
If you haven’t visited us before, you’re in for a real treat! La Festa Italiana is an end-of-summer tradition that annually attracts thousands of visitors. Hours are Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Monday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
People come from near and far to enjoy the food, music and culture that characterize the Italian heritage. La Festa Italiana has something for everyone. More than 60 vendors will offer a wide variety of foods and displays. The finest Italian cuisine is cooked and served daily, presenting festival goers with the dilemma of which tempting dish to try next.
Continuous live entertainment for both young and older tastes is featured during the afternoon and evening each day. Click here for the entertainment schedule. And be sure that you don’t miss the fireworks display that will be launched at 10:00PM Sunday!
A Mass in Italian will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Sunday in St. Peter’s Cathedral, located one block from the festival site. This special liturgy is always attended by a capacity audience, so plan to arrive early. The Mass will also be televised by CTV: Catholic Television, in the Diocese of Scranton. Please check local cable listings for the program channel.
Now that we’ve whetted your appetite, you might be wondering “How do I find La Festa?!” Click here for directions.
Regarding pets at La Festa:
We respectfully request that patrons do not bring pets to the festival. The festival is located in an urban setting, not an open field like you would find at a county fair. The sidewalks get very crowded and it becomes difficult to manage pets in the midst of all the people trying to navigate their way around the Courthouse Square. So the animal would be in very close quarters alongside many people.
In the past we have received reports from people, especially those with small children, who were frightened by animals. And the animals might also feel uncomfortable in close proximity to many unfamiliar people. We try our best to offer a safe, enjoyable experience for our patrons. Therefore, we ask that you please do not bring pets to the festival. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT: Christopher DiMattio
VICE-PRESIDENT: Joseph Guido
SECRETARY: Debra Trozzolillo
TREASURER: Karen A. Clifford
CHAPLAIN: Rev. David P. Cappelloni
Chaplain Emeritus: Msgr. Constantine Siconolfi
Diane Alberigi
William R. Genello
Tony Nicosia
Frank T. Blasi, Esq.
Frank Gervasi
Margaret Pettinato
Lou Cossa
Patrick Guido
Sam Prudente
Jack Costanzi, Jr.
David Kontz
Peter Ruane
Andre’ DiMino
Mary Marrara
Michael Semian
Francene Dudziec
Chester Merli
Frank Zazzera
Patrick Fricchione, Sr.
James R. Minicozzi
Brian Cali, Esq., Of Counsel
Frank P. Castellano, Esq.
Honorary Members
Robert W. Pettinato
Nicholas Scandale
Dr. Joseph Skettino
In Memorium
Vito Solazzo