Entertainment Schedule and New Activities Announced for the free 92nd Festa Italia at the Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park in Downtown Monterey held on September 5th – 7th, 2025
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July 2025. Monterey, CA. The 92nd Annual Festa Italia (also known as Monterey’s Santa Rosalia Fisherman’s Festival) invites locals and visitors to celebrate Monterey’s Italian heritage and honor the vital contributions of its local fishermen, both past and present. Enjoy great food, music, dancing, bocce, shopping and more! The 2025 Festa Italia Entertainment Schedule and new food and activities described below will delight attendees of all ages!
This beloved, free, family-friendly event offers a full experience of Italian culture, featuring the sights, sounds, flavors, and traditions that have made it one of Monterey’s most cherished festivals. Drawing in locals and visitors from across the United States, Festa Italia continues to capture the essence of Italian heritage.
Held over three days, the festival presents a wide range of authentic Italian cuisine, lively music, dancing, and a welcoming atmosphere for attendees of all ages. Guests can indulge in a tempting array of Italian dishes available for purchase, from Calamari and Steak and Sausage Sandwiches to Pasta, Arancini, and Cannoli, representing the rich tapestry of Italian culinary excellence.
There will also be an Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich, a delicious vegetarian dish added to Festa Italia last year.
Parmesan Sandwich, a delicious vegetarian dish added to Festa Italia last year as well as fried shrimp. New this year, there will be refreshing cherry, watermelon and lemon Italian Ices.
An assortment of beverages, including wine, beer, sodas, and water, will also be available to complement the culinary experience.
There will also be a Classic Fisherman’s Wharf Cioppino Cooking Demo by Gourmet Realtor Chef Tene Shake.
New this year, there will be Tarantella Dance Lessons in front of the main stage on Sunday.
Beyond food, Festa Italia offers Italian-themed and Festa Italia-specific merchandise, plus an array of vendors showcasing unique crafts, clothing, and more, adding another layer of cultural immersion.
The roots of Festa Italia date back to 1933, when the Sicilian fishermen of Monterey donated a statue of Santa Rosalia, their patron saint, to the San Carlos Cathedral. Seeking her blessings for safe journeys and bountiful harvests, they established this enduring tradition, which has since become a meaningful celebration of cultural heritage, honoring and preserving the legacy of Monterey’s fishing community.
Mark your calendars for the 92nd Festa Italia and join in honoring these rich traditions. Embrace Monterey’s Italian roots and celebrate the spirit of Italy right here in our community, ensuring that our shared heritage remains vibrant for generations to come.
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At a Glance:
What:92nd Annual Festa Italia held by the Festa Italia Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization
Festival Entry Cost: Free
Where: Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park, Downtown Monterey
When: Friday – Sunday, September 5-7, 2025
Friday, September 5th – 3 pm – 9 pm
Saturday, September 6th – 10 am – 9 pm
Sunday, September 7th – 10 am – 6 pm
Schedule (see below)
Where: Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park, Downtown Monterey
Bocce Tournament – Saturday, September 6th and Sunday, September 7th at the bocce courts at the Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park
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Entertainment Schedule:
Friday Night, Sept. 5th. 6pm to 9pm
Dancing under the stars with The Money Band Voted Best Band in Monterey County for many years.
Saturday Day, Sept. 6th. “Opening Ceremony Celebration”
10am Mass San Carlos Cathedral/Crowning the Statue of Santa Rosalia
11:30am – 12 noon Custom House Plaza Opening Ceremony Main Stage Procession to Wharf & Blessing of the Fleet
12:00 noon -1:00pm Mike Marotta & Friends perform
1:00pm - 1:25pm Cooking Demonstration Gourmet Realtor Chef Tene Shake Classic Fisherman’s Wharf Cioppino
1:30pm - 2:30pm Anthony Lane Band
2:15pm Tarantella Dancers (Approximate time)
2:45pm – 3:45pm Pasquale Esposito
4:00pm - 5:00pm Anthony Lane Band
4:30pm Tarantella Dancers (Approximate time)
5:15pm - 6:15pm Pasquale Esposito
Saturday Night, Sept. 6th. 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Dancing under the stars with Scarlet Monterey Bay’s High-Energy Dance Band
Sunday Day, Sept. 7th. 2025
11am-11:30am Tarantella Dance Lessons in front of main stage “Free” Phyllis Grillo, Master Tarantella Dance Instructor Everyone is welcome to attend and learn the Tarantella Dance
11:45am –12:50pm Anthony Lane Band
12:30 Tarantella Dancers (Approximate time)
1:00pm - 1:25pm Cooking Demonstration Gourmet Realtor Chef Tene Shake Classic Fisherman’s Wharf Cioppino
1:30pm - 2:30pm Pasquale Esposito
2:45pm - 3:45pm Mike Marotta & Friends
3:15 pm Tarantella Dancers (Approximate time)
4:00pm - 5:00pm Pasquale Esposito
5:00pm - 6:00pm Anthony Lane Band
Bocce Awards
Raffle Announcements
Note: Schedule Subject to Change
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The 2025 Festa Italia Foundation Board of Directors
Joe Cardinalli, President
Frank Campo, Vice President
Antonia Ruccello, Secretary
Linda Mancuso, Treasurer
Candice Aliotti
Gasper Spadaro
Vito Graciano
Andy Pappani
Ron Chesshire
Kasey Aliotti
Jeff Cecilio
Jim Friebel
Sebastian Crivello, Immediate Past President
2025 Festa Italia Committee Chairs
Michelle Speciale, Merchandise Sales
Janette Mazzarino, Bocce Tournament
Phyllis Grillo, Procession/Tarantella Dancers
Alice Flores, Accounting
Candice Aliotti, Chair Queen’s Coronation Ball
Kim Cutino, Co-Chair Queen’s Coronation Ball
Kasey Aliotti, Co-Chair Queen’s Coronation Ball
Joelle Davi, Sacristan
Katheleen Cardinalli, Sacristan
David Benech, Food Booths
Mike Marotta, Entertainment
Hal Rice, Transportation
2025 Staff
Wendy Brickman, Event and Marketing Manager
Antoinette Saylor, Event and Sales Booth Coordinator
Joe DiRocco, On-site Event Coordinator/Supervisor
2025 Festa Italia Magazine Committee
Joe Cardinalli
Marilyn Cardinalli
Ryan Lama
Wendy Brickman
Joelle Davi
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Information: (831) 633-4444 or email mail@FestaItaliaMonterey.org
Additional information and updates will be posted on the website: www.FestaItaliaMonterey.org