The 93rd Festa Italia at the Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park in Downtown Monterey to be held on September 11th – 13th, 2026
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Download this Letter to the Editor about Festa Italia
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February 2026. Monterey, CA. The award-winning 93rd Annual Festa Italia, also known as Monterey’s Santa Rosalia Fisherman’s Festival, invites locals and visitors alike to celebrate Monterey’s rich Italian Sicilian heritage while honoring the enduring contributions of Monterey’s local fishermen, past and present.
This beloved, 3-day free, family-friendly festival on September 11-13, 2026, offers fun for all ages with great food, live music, dancing, bocce tournament, shopping, networking and more. Drawing attendees from across the United States, Festa Italia remains one of Monterey’s most cherished cultural traditions, capturing the sights, sounds, flavors, and spirit of Italy in a welcoming community setting celebrated at 20 Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park in Downtown Monterey adjacent to Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Festa Italia is proud to be the First Place winner for “Best 2025 Community Event” in the annual Monterey Herald’s Readers' Choice Awards.
Held over three days, Festa Italia features an abundant selection of authentic Italian cuisine available for purchase, including calamari, steak and sausage sandwiches, pasta, arancini, cannoli, Italian cookies, fried shrimp, as well as a vegetarian eggplant Parmesan sandwich. Guests can also enjoy refreshing Italian ices, along with wine, beer, sodas, and water. Adding to the cultural experience, lively music and dancing is included all 3 days, with Tarantella dance lessons offered in front of the main stage on Sunday. Another highlight of the weekend will be a Classic Fisherman’s Wharf calamari cooking demonstration led by Gourmet Realtor Chef Tene Shake.
Beyond the food and entertainment, Festa Italia offers Italian-themed and Festa Italia-exclusive merchandise, along with a variety of vendors showcasing unique crafts, clothing, and specialty items. The festival’s roots trace back to 1933, when Sicilian fishermen in Monterey donated a statue of Santa Rosalia, their patron saint, to the San Carlos Cathedral in gratitude for safe voyages and abundant harvests. That act of faith and community gave rise to a tradition that continues today as a meaningful celebration of Monterey’s Italian and fishing heritage. Join us for the 93rd Annual Festa Italia and be part of a living legacy that honors the past while keeping these cherished traditions vibrant for generations to come.
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At a Glance:
What: 93nd 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 11-13, 2026
Friday, September 11th – 3 pm – 9 pm
Saturday, September 12th – 10 am – 9 pm
Sunday, September 13th – 10 am – 6 pm
Where: Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park, Downtown Monterey
Bocce Tournament – Saturday, September 11th and Sunday, September 12th at the bocce courts at the Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park
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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