Annual Sicilian Festival in Little Italy

Come celebrate an anniversary…Sicilian-Style! The music, dance, culture and cuisine of Sicily come to the streets of San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood as part of the Annual Sicilian Festival celebration, when San Diego’s Sicilian American community invites you to “Eat, Drink & Be Sicilian” for a day. This popular free family event features authentic Sicilian food and entertainment, surrounded by the colorful ambiance of the Little Italy neighborhood.

Entertainment

People will be literally dancing in the streets throughout the day. At 11:30 AM, the official Sicilian Marching Band will lead a procession of dozens of costumed dancers, musicians, and representatives of the City and County of San Diego and the many San Diego Italian organizations through the streets carrying flags from the different regions of Sicily and Italy. Three stages will feature non-stop Italian and Sicilian entertainment. The event is highlighted by the nationally acclaimed Roman Holiday Ensemble which will be on hand with their costumed musicians and dancers to provide a lively show of Sicilian and Italian music.

Food and Drink

Food booths representing the many restaurants in Little Italy will line the streets to satisfy the hungry crowds with Sicilian specialties of all varieties. Some of San Diego’s leading chefs will do demonstrations of Sicilian recipes and a pasta-eating contest will add to the day’s excitement. Visitors can even try their hand at grape stomping in a barrel as part of the Festival fun.

Children’s Activities

The Sicilian Festival is also the perfect venue for families with children. All children’s activities are free and include a large inflatable slide, puppet theatre shows, face painting and many other activities to keep the bambini entertained throughout day – without emptying your pocketbooks!