Downtown Southington Set for the Sights, Sounds and Tastes of Italy

For many Southington residents, Italian culture and tradition is an important an long-standing part of their heritage. During the upcoming weekend, they will be able to share that with friends, neighbors and residents across the northeast as Southington’s Italian American Festival returns.

The ninth annual festival is expected to bring thousands to Center Street and downtown Southington as residents look to enjoy a community-oriented event designed to bring everyone together, according to event co-chair William DellaVecchia.

“This is designed in honor of the feast of Italian towns, dedicated to patron saints,” DellaVecchia said. “For many including my grandparents, when they were back in Italy, they would have these type of festivities with a feast behind the church.”

“In Southington, members of the Sons of Italy and Unico have experienced first-hand in Italy the tradition. This is more than just tradition,” he said.

But it’s not just for Italians either.

The annual festival has become as much a part of the town’s tradition as it is an Italian one. Alongside programs including the Apple Harvest Festival and Music on the Green, the event is designed to bring people of all heritages together, DellVecchia said.

Festival Hours
Friday, July 26, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday, July 27, from Noon to 11 p.m.
Sunday, July 28, from Noon to 6 p.m.

A special outdoor Italian Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday. The procession of the Madonna will take place immediate following.

For a complete list of entertainment, food vendors and more, be sure to see the program attached above. Click the link provided for a complete list of road closures, detours and parking restrictions.

Joe LaPorte said it’s a return to the community’s roots, not just in the way the event mimics the festivals from the old country, but in returning to the community feast that was once a regular part of summer tradition in Southington nearly 60 years ago.

LaPorte can still remember the event as a kid, behind St. Thomas Church, where everyone gathered in honor of their culture and to take part in traditional Italian feasts and celebrations. The town now looks to provide for all, but has not gotten away from those roots, he said.

“This is something that has truly worked and we aren’t looking to make many changes,” he said. “There will be wine tasting and competitions, food vendors, the traditional mass, procession and more. We want everyone to come out and have a good time.”

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