La Festa Italiana, northeastern Pennsylvania's largest celebration of culture and cuisine, will again be held over the Labor Day weekend, Saturday through Monday, on Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton.  Since 1975, a small group of dedicated volunteers has staged La Festa Italiana.  The committee donates its proceeds to local charities.  We are working hard to make this year's event better than ever.

	If you haven't visited us before, you're in for a real treat! La Festa Italiana is an end-of-summer tradition that annually attracts thousands of visitors. Hours are noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and noon to 9 p.m. on Monday.
Scenes from previous festivals

People come from near and far to enjoy the food, music and culture that characterize the Italian heritage. La Festa Italiana has something for everyone. More than 60 vendors will offer a wide variety of foods and displays. The finest Italian cuisine is cooked and served daily, presenting festival goers with the dilemma of which tempting dish to try next.

Continuous live entertainment for both young and older tastes is featured during the afternoon and evening each day. Click here for the entertainment schedule.  And be sure that you don't miss the fireworks display that will be launched at 10:00PM Sunday!

A Mass in Italian will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Sunday in St. Peter's Cathedral, located one block from the festival site.  This special liturgy is always attended by a capacity audience, so plan to arrive early. The Mass will also be televised by CTV: Catholic Television, in the Diocese of Scranton. Please check local cable listings for the program channel.

Now that we've whetted your appetite, you might be wondering "How do I find La Festa?!" Click here for directions.

SEE YOU AT LA FESTA!

Festival patrons are also invited to Lackawanna Railfest ’09, hosted by the nearby Steamtown National Historic Site Sept. 5-6. Under the theme “The 1940s,” the event will feature behind-the-scenes tours, exhibits and displays, special excursions, theater presentations, re-enactments and a USO musical performance.

Shuttle transportation will be provided between La Festa and Steamtown. For details on Railfest, see this news release or visit visit www.nps.gov/stea

Lodging at La Festa Italiana: A block of rooms have been reserved for September 5, 2009 - September 7, 2009 at the Hilton Scranton. The special room rate will be available until the group block is sold-out.

Rediscover Scranton: This is the new home for getting the word out on all of the exciting happenings here in Scranton, Pa

Scranton Tomorrow: This community organization has been a great friend to La Festa over the years.