La Festa
Italian Flag Raised in Anticipation of La Festa Italiana
August 26, 2025 | 
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Some of the board members, committee volunteers and civic officials associated with La Festa Italiana raise the Italian flag on Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton, site of the festival to be held Labor Day Weekend, this Friday through Monday, Aug. 29-Sept. 1. For more information, the entertainment schedule and updates, visit www.lafestaitaliana.org. From left: Ann DiMattio, Tony Nicosia, Louis DiMattio, Marc Pane, Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak, Joe Guido, La Festa President Chris DiMattio, Francene Pisano, Scranton Mayor Paige Gephardt Cognetti, Debra Meila, Frank Gervasi, Leslie Minicozzi Galacci, Alex Strubeck, Atty. Frank T. Blasi, Robert W. Pettinato, Karen Clifford, Bill Genello, Diane Alberigi, Atty. Frank Castellano.
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Mass in Italian To Be Celebrated Sunday, August 31 in Scranton
The annual Mass in Italian will be celebrated on Sunday, August 31, at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton. All are welcome to attend.
The liturgy is celebrated in conjunction with La Festa Italiana, which occurs over the Labor Day weekend, Friday through Monday, August 29-September 1, on Courthouse Square, one block away. Very Reverend David P. Cappelloni, V.F., La Festa Chaplain and pastor of Saints Anthony and Rocco Parish and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Dunmore, will be the principal celebrant and homilist. Concelebrants will include Monsignor Constantine V. Siconolfi, La Festa Chaplain Emeritus, and priests from the Diocese of Scranton. Deacons from the Diocese will also participate.
The Mass will be broadcast live by CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton and will be rebroadcast on Tuesday, September 2, at 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m., and Friday, September 5, at 10:30 a.m.In addition to airing live on CTV, the Mass will air live on the diocesan website and on social media platforms. It will also be available on demand after the live broadcast concludes.
This year’s Italian Mass is being offered in memory of all those members and friends of La Festa Italiana who passed away since the last Mass was celebrated, including: Catherine Alu, Samuel “Danny” Argo, Sarah Marie Barrese, George Bieber, Angela Costanzi, Ralph DelPrete, Craig Friedman, Ann Azzeroni Kania, Paul LaBelle, Ron Leas, Joanne Ligorio, James P. Minicozzi, Bonnie Rosati, Tony “Red” Summa and Guy Valvano, who led the ushers for decades at the Mass.
Music ministry for the Italian Mass will be provided by the choirs of Saints Anthony and Rocco Parishand Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Dunmore, accompanied by a brass quartet, all directed by JosephMoffitt. Dominick DeNaples, mandolin; Patrick Loungo, Nicholas Luongo, Eugene Mentz, organist, and Monica Spishock, timpani, will also accompany. Ashley Yando-DeFlice is the cantor and the leader of prayer. The featured soloist will be T.J. Capobianco from the New York City Metropolitan Opera.The lectors are Dr. Fred Gardaphe and Ann Genett. The Prayer of the Faithful will be led by DianeAlberigi, Atty. Frank T. Blasi and Joseph Guido.
The offertory gifts will be presented by Marlene Summa and Family, the Family of Guy Valvano,Robert W. Pettinato, the Honorable Robert Mazzoni and the Honorable Leonard Zito (Ret.).Patrick Caramanno, Joshua Cillo, Carmen DiPietro Jr., Jonathan A. Eboli, Stephen A. Eboli, RichardGarofalo and Joseph Wentline are the ushers.
At the conclusion of Mass, members of The Italian Colony of Saint Lucy will process out with thestatue of Saint Lucy onto the festival grounds to the Heritage Piazza on Spruce Street.
For news and updates, including the festival entertainment schedule, visit www.lafestaitaliana.org,Facebook: La Festa Italiana di Lackawanna County, Instagram: lafestascranton.
Get them while they’re hot…and while they last!
The Scranton Chapter of UNICO National will once again be serving their famous porketta sandwiches at their tent on North Washington Avenue. They typically sell out early on Monday, so don’t wait! Pictured are committee members that coordinate the annual project, which is a major fundraiser that supports the Chapter’s charitable endeavors. Seated from left are: Dino Darbenzio, Gail Cicerini, Amanda Sagona, Mike Rescigno. Standing: Dr. Peter Cognetti, Jon Geraci, Jim Sagona, Chapter President Mike Linko, BillBott, Dave Bieri.
Piles of Porketta Prepped
A crack team of cookers and slicers prepares the porketta. From left: Bob Montalbano, Dave Tomasoni, Chapter President Mike Linko, Jim Sagona, Dave Bieri, Amanda Sagona, Jon Geraci, Billy Bott and Greg Linko.
La Festa Italiana Set for Labor Day Weekend in Scranton, PA
As another summer heads for the horizon, fun seekers of all ages can still look forward to an annual treat that keeps the good vibes flowing.
It’s getting to be that time for La Festa Italiana, four days of great food and lively entertainment served up in the Italian culture and spirit in Scranton, PA over Labor Day weekend.
La Festa Italiana will be held Friday through Monday, Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, 2025 on Courthouse Square in the heart of downtown Scranton, PA. Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Monday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The presenting sponsor is Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City, part of Jefferson Health. The festival is an annual celebration of culture, cuisine and continuous entertainment. Admission is free.
Of course, there is the food, a mouth-watering variety tempting the taste buds! Among the many culinary delights is the famous porketta sandwich prepared by the Scranton Chapter of UNICO, the national Italian-American service organization. Another hot spot – literally – is the Cappuccino Café, where you can sip a creamy cup to go with your favorite Italian pastry.
In between bites, people of all ages will enjoy Italian vocalists, artists and local bands as well as dance groups performing over four days and nights on three stages. In addition, crafts, Italian-themed clothing and novelties, a Heritage Park, bocce games, bounce rides for the kids and more will be available.
The Alfredo’s Main Stage opening act on Friday (Aug. 29) will feature a tribute to recently deceased Paul LaBelle, leader of the Exact Change Band. Later that evening is the popular band Picture Perfect.
The lineup on Saturday (Aug. 30) includes a new featured entertainer this year, Scranton native Lorenzo Pugliese, who will perform a tribute to Frankie Valli on Saturday at 8 p.m. Lorenzo is an actor and singer/songwriter who, as an actor, has appeared in two national tours as SpongeBob in “The SpongeBob Musical” and Sonny Bono in “The Cher Show.” He has also appeared several times in various Scranton Shakes seasons, most notably as Ren in “Footloose” and Roger in “Rent.” Most recently, he played Frankie Valli in “Jersey Boys” at Village Theatre in Seattle. He is excited to be bringing some of his performance back home. You can check out Lorenzo’s music under the stage name “Valerian” on Spotify and Apple Music. IG: lorenzo_m_pugliese Saturday also features The Cameos, New Jersey’s Favorite Oldies Group, and a Billy Joel Tribute. Also on Saturday there will be a car show, sponsored by Kost Tire & Auto Service, from 1-4 p.m.
Sunday (Aug. 31) begins with the annual Mass in Italian at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral of Saint Peter, located one block from the festival site. The Mass will also be televised live by CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton. The entertainment on Sunday includes La Festa’s premiere Italian vocalist,T.J. Capobianco from The Met, a Connie Francis tribute and a Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin Tribute Show featuring Chris DiMattio and Las Vegas’ Andy DiMino with Ken McGraw’s Brass & Ivory Big Band and several special guests.
On Monday (Sept. 1) there will be a 100th birthday celebration for WWII Veteran Gene “Dempsey” Passarella, maestro of his namesake Orchestra. Popstar Drive will be the closing act.
La Festa Italiana will literally hit the ground running with the 13th Annual Captain James R. Minicozzi Memorial 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 10 a.m. The race is being sponsored by the Scranton Chapter of UNICO, the national Italian-American service organization, and proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Northeastern Pennsylvania Christmas Party and college scholarships for students at Captain Minicozzi’s alma mater, West Scranton High School. To register in advance ($25) go to: runsignup.com/Minicozzi or on race day ($35) from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at corner of North Washington Avenue and Linden Street.
For news and updates, including the festival entertainment schedule, visit www.lafestaitaliana.org, Facebook: La Festa Italiana di Lackawanna County, Instagram: lafestascranton.
