Festa Italiana Ybor City and PhilFest Tampa Festival

While judging the 2nd annual Cuban Sandwich Festival this past weekend, I was part of an interesting conversation with one of the fellow judges. Tampa is a city of festivals and celebrations. We are always looking for something to honor and celebrate in true Tampa style. While I know there is always something to do in Tampa, I never thought of us as a celebratory town. I guess the home of Gasparilla wouldn't have it any other way and I wonder if this is one of the reasons I have fallen in love with this city as I always love a good excuse to celebrate.

Thursday April 4th will mark as the kickoff of 16th Annual Italian Festival in my beloved Ybor City. The festivities kick-off with Wines of Italy which I am looking very forward to on Thursday night. This unique tasting experience features over seventy wines from different regions of Italy and Italian Cuisine presented by Carrabba’s! This is the perfect way to kick off y boyfriend Gabe's Birthday weekend! Although I am quite jealous I will miss the grape stomping celebration on Sunday due to said birthday weekend..

From the Festa Italiana Press release: On Saturday, April 6th , Festa Italiana hosts a day of festivities for the entire family to enjoy, including the Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally, the annual Bolla Bocce Ball Invitational in Centennial Park, an assortment of Italian food and the Italian Idol Competition! The Saturday Fresh Market will also be in full-swing! Think Italian and think food, entertainment and music for all to enjoy! Admission on Saturday is FREE!

Festa Italiana’s 16th Annual Event takes place on Sunday, April 7th when Centennial Park and Historic Ybor City host a true taste of Italy! Over thirty-five Tampa Bay area restaurants and caterers present flavorful specialties and you’ll also want to enjoy the flavor of the Grape Stomping presentation – you’ll even have a chance to participate in the stomping excitement! Enjoy the Taste of Italy tent, children’s activities, live entertainment with Joey Dee & the Starliters and so much more! Festa Italiana benefits the Italian Club Restoration Fund. For more information, please visit our website at www.festaitalianatampa.com

In another part of Tampa, this Friday April 5th through Sunday April 7th, the PhilFest 2013 will be taking place at the Philippine Cultural Enrichment Complex. There will be a special show by Kris Lawrence on April 7 at 2:30PM at the Sinagtala Stage. This event will feature an impressive glimpse of Philippine culture through dance, song, food, cultural exhibits, fashion shows , and colorful parades and processions. Click here for more info.  14301 9 Eagles Dr. 14301 9 Eagles Dr.