This year marks the 115th annual La Festa Italiana held in historic downtown Jersey City, New Jersey. Hosted by the Holy Rosary Church, the five-day festival opened on Wednesday, August 15 and continues through Sunday, August 19. On each day from 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm, La Festa Italiana transforms 6th and Brunswick Streets into a lively block party filled with delicious foods, live entertainment, plus rides and games guaranteed to give kids memories to last a lifetime.
Entertainment on Thursday brings DJ Carlos Sounds; Friday, First Kiss takes the stage and on Saturday, music by Sunset Soundz will be presented. The closing night features the 10-piece band Total Soul. Along with the bands, a DJ will be playing music at the corner of 6th and Brunswick Streets on each night of the festival.
La Festa Italiana creates a food lover’s paradise with a dazzling variety of creations from some of the area’s most acclaimed restaurants, cafés and food trucks. From A to Z, arancini to zeppole, there is something to temp every member of the family. Adults can also enjoy craft beers and specialty cocktails, while everyone can cool down with authentic Italian ices and gelato. A highlight this year will be Father Jurek’s Authentic Polish Table, where the Holy Rosary pastor will be donning an apron and serving up specialties like kielbasa and pierogi.
At “A Taste of Campobasso” you will find wine and peaches, homemade limoncello and creamcello. At Caffe Italiano, Holy Rosary volunteers will sell freshly-made cookies, cakes, cannoli, pies, coffee and tea. Hourly and Super 50/50 raffle tickets will be on sale throughout the festival and the popular Money Wheel will be located opposite Caffe Italiano. A new festival highlight will be the “The HRC $10 Flea Market” held in the Parish Center Café, where all the items will be just $10.
Founded in 1885, Holy Rosary Church is the first Italian Roman Catholic parish in New Jersey, La Festa Italiana has been the church’s biggest fundraiser for the restoration and upkeep of the church. For more information call 201-795-0120 or 201-776-9222. Visit their website at www.lafestaitalianajc.com.
