Venice Italian Festival

Festival Location: Venice, FL, USA

Festival State: Florida Festivals

Festival Type(s): Multicultural Festivals, Food Festivals, Family Festivals

Venice Italian Festival Media:

Italian American Festival of Venice, Florida

By: © Tara Dodrill 2009

When people think Florida, they conjure up images of beaches, dolphins, and theme parks. Florida has far more to offer than the typical. Regional events offer up cultural fare and traditional tastes. The southwest city of Venice will once again be the home of Florida's Annual Italian Festival in February.

The Italian American Club of Venice offers a chance for the city to be true to it's heritage, and share the contributions of the Italian-American community. The Italian American club meets throughout the year, and promotes the language, food, and traditions to both the community and visitors.

Visitors who have no Italian heritage flock to the annual event, just to experience the atmosphere and savory cooking. Although the crowds are large, there is little time spend waiting in line for food or activities. The totally laid-back ambiance of the entire festival creates a large family reunion type feel.

Festival and carnival activities all take place under shady palms, with a captivating view of Waterway Park. The four-day event charges a small parking fee, but no admission charge to enjoy the shows and exhibits. Ride and game tickets prices vary. The Italian Festival is held in mid-February each year, and is located next to the Venice Airport.

The food is definitely "the thing" during the Venice Italian Festival. While typical carnival food is available, the tantalizing smells of Italian cooking float through the air, enticing visitors to near gluttony. Some of the menu favorites include Faggioli, sausage and pepper, meatballs, Stromboli, Melanzana, calzones, Dematasi, Ravioli, and of course, spaghetti. A Budweiser portable and air-conditioned bar on-site is a very popular venue at the Italian Festival. Visitors of all ages also enjoy posing with the famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses, which also appear at the festival.

An Italian heritage booth is open throughout the festival, sharing the history of the Italian-American community in Venice, Florida. Mafia jokes and Sopranos references aren't very well received by the Italian-American Club members. Traditional Italian music and dancer performances draw large crowds to the annual event. Performers who routinely appear at the Venice, Florida Italian Festival include Perfect Chords Oldies, Bandana, Two of a Kind, Tarantella Folk Dancers, Up-Town Express, and Sophisticated Swing.

The Venice, Florida Italian Festival offers ample seating in shaded tents, and dozens of food booths to serve the large crowds. A Venetian gondola, sitting against a water themed backdrop offers a free photo opportunity for visitors. The Florida MOTE Aquarium also hosts a free booth with interactive exhibits for children to enjoy.

The Venice Italian-American club works year around promoting Italian food and customs. Weekly spaghetti dinners hosted by the club assist in providing funds for the annual festival, and are open to the public. Each year funds generated from fundraisers support the group's scholarship fund. A graduating senior from Venice High School is awarded the scholarship to be used at the college of their choice.

by Tara Dodrill

Venice Italian Festival Photos:

Venice Italian Festival Dates and Location

The Italian Festival is held in mid-February each year, and takes place in Venice, FL next to the Venice Airport. For up-to-date details check out the Italian American Club of Venice web site.