Celebrations in Media and Wilmington kick off the 2025 festival season

There’s nothing like a festival to bring everyone outside to have fun! When that festival turns out to be an Italian festival, you’re in for a cultural experience like no other! Throughout our Tri-State area, Italian heritage, faith and culture are alive and well. There is no truer testament to this than the culmination of a community’s hard work to put on an Italian heritage festival.

Kicking off the festival season, CIAO Delco will hold its 15th annual Italian-American Heritage Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 1 (rain date June 8) at Rose County Park, 1671 N. Providence Road, Media, Pa. The event boasts fine Italian food, a bocce tournament, live music, games, entertainment, an Italian car exhibit, and a kids field of fun! This year’s headlining performers are Gabriyella Suriani, Moreno Fruzzeti, and Tiziana Rivale. While the festival is dedicated to promoting and preserving both Italian and Italian-American culture, proceeds benefit many local charities.

Next comes the St. Anthony of Padua Italian Festival, which runs from June 8 to June 15 at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, 901 N. Dupont St. in Wilmington, Del. This festival, which is one of the largest in the United States, is the primary fundraiser for the Saint Anthony of Padua Grade School. The event is sponsored by the St. Anthony of Padua Parish which is celebrating 100 years. Hours of operation: June 8 from 4 to 10:30 p.m.; June 9-13 from 6 to 10:30 p.m.; and June 14 from 4 to 10:20 p.m. The final day, June 15, is the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua beginning with the Feast Day Mass in Italian at 12:30 p.m. in the church, followed by the procession of saints at 2 p.m. and the festival finale from 2 to 6 p.m.

See our complete list of Delaware Valley festivals in the July issue of Italian-American Herald. There is a little something for everybody – beach lovers, faith seekers, or those looking to share in their Italian cultural pride! If your organization or community group is holding any events or festivals, or you just want to share more information about what your Italian heritage club has to offer, check out our survey at italianamericanherald.com/survey/. If you would like to have an event featured on our online calendar visit: italianamericanherald.com/events/community/add.

Buona festa!