Daytime view of the Feast of Little Italy in Abacoa. [Photo by Festival]
The Galbani Feast of Little Italy returns to Abacoa in Jupiter from Nov. 3 to 5. Admission is free to the cultural festival, known for the Italian ambience, Italian-American entertainers and authentic food.
Festival hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Parking is free.
Now in its 22nd year, the Galbani Feast of Little Italy is the largest Italian festival in Florida.
“We are committed to celebrating our Italian cultures, values and traditions that are built on the foundation of family. We are grateful for all who come out and celebrate and share in the love of our heritage,” says Jerry Somma, the co-founder and producer of the festival.
Chefs demonstrating Italian dishes at the La Cucina Galbani stage include Marco Sciortino from the TV show “Come Dine With Me” and locals Anthony Acampa of “Fats Where the Flavors At,” Nina Tomasik of Nina’s Fresh Bakery, Chef Nick of Brick & Barrel and Stephen Asprinio from “Top Chef.” Wine connoisseurs will lead free Voga Wine seminars throughout the weekend.
Beverage options include Bar Italia, Aperol Spritz Piazza and Voga Prosecco Lounge, and eight-seat VIP villas and four-seat pods near the stage can be reserved at Eventbrite.
The festival offers rides and carnival games for all ages, and Little Smiles provides activities for kids.
Virginia Sinicki, an on-air personality from the “KVJ” show on 97.9-FM WRMF, returns as the master of ceremonies.
Entertainment Friday starts on the Beachside Golf Cars Stage with Maria DeCrescenzo performing music with DJ Johnny at 6 p.m. Livin’ on a Prayer, a Bon Jovi tribute band, takes the stage at 8 p.m.
Cory “CPez” Pesaturo, the Guinness world record holder for longest performance by an accordion player, starts Saturday’s entertainment at 12:30 p.m., followed by festival newcomers Vincent and Emily Ricciardi at 1. “The Voice of Romance” Franco Corso performs songs from Andrea Bocelli, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and many more at 3. Austin Giorgio, known from NBC’s “The Voice,” continues the Sinatra/Martin songbook at 4:30. The Vince Chiarelli Band, mixing Italian favorites with romantic Italian ballads, Italian-American favorites, and bossa nova and flamenco rhythms, performs at 6. Studio 54 offers the best of the ’70s at 8.
The festival continues Sunday with Aviana Rossi at noon and “The Sicilian Tenor,” Elio Scaccio, at 1 p.m. Marco Turo delivers a tribute to Tony Bennett at 2:30, followed by the Vince Chiarelli Band with Cory Pesaturo at 4. Festival favorite Angelo Venuto performs Italian dance hits, traditional songs and more at 6.
The festival takes place at the Abacoa Town Center, 1267 Main St., Jupiter. For more information, visit feastoflittleitaly.com.
