Scranton Celebrates 50 Years of La Festa Italiana
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Scranton is gearing up to celebrate a significant milestone for one of its beloved traditions. La Festa Italiana turns 50 this year, bringing Italian food, culture, and thousands of attendees to Courthouse Square over Labor Day weekend.
“As everyone is Irish on parade day, on La Festa weekend, everyone is Italian,” highlights Joe Guido, the Vice President of La Festa Italiana. “It’s a time-honored tradition that marks the end of summer. We welcome about 140,000 people each year, which is great for the local economy. People seem to love it.”
Started in 1976 during the country’s bicentennial, the festival was a gift from Scranton’s Italian-American community to the city. Over the years, it has evolved into a four-day celebration with more than 70 vendors, offering Italian food, music, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
Preparations kick off days in advance, with tents being set up and vendors moving in. Longtime vendor Pat Revello emphasizes the extensive preparation, noting, “It’s not just the four days we’re here; it’s months of planning.”
Matt Gilbert, executive chef for 16th Ward and Kevin’s on Penn, is excited to participate for the second time. “It looks unbelievable,” he says, recalling the overwhelming sea of attendees. This year, his team will serve a variety of delicious treats, including breadsticks and cannoli nachos.
The festival’s success is attributed to a dedicated committee of about 12 members who work passionately throughout the year to organize the event. Guido expresses pride in the family-oriented, clean atmosphere that La Festa offers.
As the community comes together to celebrate 50 years of Italian culture and tradition, La Festa Italiana promises to be a remarkable event this Labor Day weekend in downtown Scranton.
