Cultural Events

Our Italian culture is one steeped in rich history and traditions. That’s why it is important for Italian Americans to keep in touch with their roots and share their pride and heritage.

Visitati ‘a Bedda Sicilia

We invite you to ‘Visit Beautiful Sicily!’ during your time at Festa Italiana. This year our
Cultural Tent features some of the sights and tastes of the stunning island, which become a
popular destination for its ancient temples, breath-taking landscapes and lemon and olive groves. Enjoy demonstrations and learn how to make sfingi and cannoli!

Join us for a culinary trip
featuring two of Sicily’s tasty dishes:

Cannoli

5 p.m. Saturday, August 2 — Polly Matranga Happach and Lori Parker

Polly Matranga Happach grew watching her mother bake and make homemade cannoli, all by hand. In 2010, she and her business partner Lorie opened Bella Luna Bakery, focusing on her mother’s recipes. Their specialty was cannoli filled with delicious sweetened ricotta. In keeping with family traditions, the cannoli recipe will be passed on to Polly’s children Vincenzo, Paul Joseph and Jenna.
Lorie Parker grew up in Rockford, attending Christian Life and Augustana College, and
was co-owner of Bella Luna Bakery. She has four children: Noah, Seth, Grace and Chloe.

Sfingi

5 p.m. Sunday, August 3 — Anna Abate Reader and Bernie Piccirilli Marinelli

Anna Abate Reader grew up in Rockford where her mother, Patricia McDaniel,
grandmother Anna and great-grandmother Lena Gullota taught her all of the cooking
skills of Sambuca, Sicily.
Bernie Piccirilli Marinelli enjoys cooking traditional Italian foods taught by her mother,
Vita Ciacco Piccirilli, whose family is also from Sambuca. Bernie and Anna work as RNs
and have opened Mo Cara Hospice of Rockford.

Two special presentations

Genealogist Steve Salvato

Friday-Sunday, August 1-3 – While you are visiting the Cultural Tent, take time to meet GRIAA Hall of Fame recipient and noted researcher Steve Salvato, who will be available at no charge while the tent is open. Don’t be surprised if your family’s story will open up under the expertise of Steve as he researches your roots.

Dual Italian Citizenship advocate Frank Perrecone

7:30 p.m. Friday, August 1 – Join GRIAA Hall of Famer Frank Perrecone and Carla Mueller in the Cultural Tent for an engaging presentation on navigating the evolving process of obtaining dual Italian citizenship. They will share personal experiences and insights on the Italian Ministry of Interior’s new interpretation of citizenship laws, a regulation that now disqualifies many traditional consular applications. Discover alternative legal pathways and strategies to overcome these hurdles as you prepare for your own dual citizenship journey at Festa Italiana.