Festa Italiana will be having its 33nd Annual Houston Festival at the University of St. Thomas. It will begin today, Oct 13, and ending Sunday, Oct 16, at 6pm. 

               The Festival had been created to share Italy’s culture and heritage with the local Houston Area and still lives on fulfilling that mission.

Festa Italiana is filled with activities for visitors to watch and to volunteer. It consists of a I Madonnari Sidewalk Art Contest, in which contestants create a chalk drawing on a sidewalk, Bocce Tournament, Grape Stomp Contest, Pasta Eating Contest, Music. The Festival will end with its Festa Kick-Off Event.

               There is also entertainment for Children.  A Marionette Puppet, “On With The Show" Circus, performed by Carranza Puppets. The show is free but you should come early to get a good seat. Children will also be able to make macaroni bracelets and run around the inflatables and rock wall that will be put up.

For food, many different volunteer and Italian restaurant owners will present their Italian cuisine to Houston visitors. Wine, Beer and Food Sampling will present by H-E-B.

To help bring the culture, there will be Italian Language class for intermediate and beginners.  Italian films will be shown to bring the life of Italy to Houston.

Tickets are $8 per person at the front of the gate.  Children 13 and under are free.

For more information on specific events Festa Italian will have and to order online visit houstonitalianfestival.com.