Celebrate authentic Italian culture at Staten Island's Festa D'Italia weekend
Published: Thursday, September 20, 2012, 5:06 PM
Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, NY -- With the history of Italy spanning more than 3,000 years, Italian style and design have become world renowned in everything from art, classic architecture and contemporary fashion to fine furniture, fast cars and stylish motorcycles.
One could say that Italians are positively passionate for life, and their artistic and cultural heritage often manifests itself in their inherent love of fine wine, fresh food and special affection for time-honored traditions.
So then, if you're Italian – or simply love all things Italian – you won't want to miss Motori D'Italia, an exotic Italian car and motorbike show which will be the highlight of the annual Festa D'Italia at Casa Belvedere: The Italian Cultural Foundation
The event takes place Friday-Saturday on the sprawling lawns of the picturesque hilltop mansion located at 79 Howard Ave. in Grymes Hill. Gina Biancardi, the founder and president of Casa Belvedere, and executive director Louis Calvelli invite all to attend.
A showcase of alluring vehicles – Alfa Romeos, Ferraris, Fiats, Lomborghinis, Lancias, Maseratis, Vespas and Ducatis – will appear throughout the weekend, with the high point of the event set for Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., when the exotic vehicles will increase in number.
What's more, stage and screen star Tony LoBianco will serve as ceremonial grand marshal and meet and greet guests on Saturday from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
In speaking of Festa D'Italia, chairman John Caltabiano says: "We hope to make this year's event the most spectacular ever due to the fact that were combining the exotic car show and Festa D'Italia, which was never done before."
Caltabiano adds that talented musical arranger/song stylist Al Lambert and vocalist Tom Tyburczy are coordinating the music and entertainment. Motori D'Italia is sponsored by Ferrari Maserati of Central New Jersey; the Manfredi Auto Group, the event's main sponsor; the South Shore Rotary Club and Staten Island University Hospital, among others.
"We are delighted to once again offer this exclusively Italian showcase, which annually pays tribute to some of the auto industry's greatest marquees," said Michael Pucciarelli, who is co-chairing the event along with Matt Ligotti.
The family-oriented Festa D'Italia will feature music and entertainment, Italian specialty foods and pastries, wine tasting, culinary demonstrations, art exhibits, games, rides, crafts, fun-fulfilled all-you-can-eat contests and more.
In addition, the Manfredi Auto Group has donated a 2012 Fiat 500 POP, which they will raffle, with proceeds earmarked for Casa Belvedere.
All event ticket holders will earn a chance to win a seven-day/six-night travel package for two to Rome and Florence, Italy, courtesy of Ciao Italy and Carrani Tours. The package includes airfare, first-class accommodations at Hotel Empire Palace in Rome and Hotel De La Ville in Florence; train transportation and tours.Admission to any one day of the events is $10 for adults; children 12 and under, accompanied by an adult, are admitted free of charge.
Festa D'Italia hours are Friday, 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday,11 a.m. to7 p.m.
For additional information, call 718-273-7660 or visit Casa-Belvedere.org.