On July 15th, 16th, and 17^th, East Boston will roll out the welcome mat and say “benvenuti” as Italia Unita hosts the 11^th Annual Italian Festival. Central Square in East Boston will be filled with laughter, games, music and authentic Italian cuisine as people from all over New England join in this celebration of Italian culture. The Village People will headline the event with a performance on Saturday evening and the festival will host the WORLD’S LARGEST SAUSAGE EATING CONTEST.

“The Italian Festival celebrates some of the most beloved aspects of Italian culture,” said Italia Unita President Pasquale Capogreco. “Italia Unita is committed to preserving the Italian culture and the festival is a fun way to share our heritage with people from over New England.”

In addition to the many activities and events planned throughout the weekend, Italia Unita will present the annual Italian-American Achievement Award. In recognition of her commitment to the people of Boston and her untiring work on behalf of numerous social service and civic organizations, Italia Unita will honor Mrs. Angela Menino with this prestigious honor during the festival’s opening ceremonies on Friday, July 15 at 7:00 PM, hosted by Ron Della Chiesa.

On July 16^th the Italian Festival will host the first World Italian Sausage eating Contest in conjunction with the American Association of Competitive Eaters. This not to be missed event will match professional eaters from around the country with local and celebrity entrants to see who will walk away with the title of World Italian Sausage Eating Champion.

On Saturday evening, the Village People will be back by popular demand, performing live in Central Square. With more than 65 million records sold and legions of fans around the globe, the Village People will be performing all their gold and platinum hits, including: YMCA, In the Navy, Macho Man and much more. The Village People performed at the Italian Festival 5 years ago and were met with rave reviews.

Other activities at the festival include the KISS-108 Summer Games, bocce games, children’s rides, Texas Hold EM tournaments, Ferrari car display, strolling performers and magicians. Featured musical entertainers include Eternity, Joe Molino, La Voce di Napoli con Gianni Monti and Lisetta, DJ Richard Fri and Italian Ice.  In addition, dozens of local restaurants and vendors from all over New England will provide Italian delicacies and novelties.

Italia Unita was founded in 1995 by a dedicated group of volunteers to celebrate Italian culture and history. Today Italia Unita is still an entirely volunteer-run organization with over 120 members in the Greater Boston area. Italia Unita hosts events, social and civic events throughout the year to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of Italian art. 

The festival runs from 6:00pm – 11:00pm on Friday July 15^th and 3:00 pm – 11:00pm on Saturday and Sunday July 16^th and 17th.  For more information on the Italian Festival schedule of events, visit the Italia Unita website: www.italiaunita.org, or call 617-561-3201.