The University’s Department of World Languages and Cultures and the Italian Club presented their 11th annual La Festa Italiana, or Italian Festival, on April 4 in Wilson Auditorium with presentations, performances, and food to celebrate Italy and Italian culture.
The festival began with an introduction by Maria Simonelli, Ph.D., a professor of Italian and Latin and faculty advisor to the Italian Club. Simonelli thanked all for attending, and gave thanks to her Italian language students and club members who helped to set up, provide food, and give performances for the event.
Following the introduction, Annavaleria Guazzieri, Ph.D., the Education Office Director of the Consulate General of Italy in New York City, NY, gave a presentation on “Storie Veneziano” or “Venetian Stories.”
“Dr. Guazzieri’s presentation was excellent, very scholarly and informative,” Simonelli said. “With her ‘Venetian Stories,’ she brought us all to Venice where she illustrated the history of the city from the beginning to our days.”
After Guazzieri’s presentation, the festival segued into student performances that included music, presentations, and poem readings.
One of the performances was by Amanda McTigue, a senior music student who sang “Caro Mio Ben” while her partner, Timothy DiDomenico, accompanied her on the guitar.
“I have studied voice for four years and already had ‘Caro Mio Ben’ in my repertoire,” McTigue said. “I rehearsed with Tim a few times prior to the show to get the arrangement down.”
The festival was concluded with a dance performance of La Tarantella Napoletana, the traditional Italian line dance. Seniors Juliana Illiano and Samantha Papa, and sophomores Caitlin Mazzella and Rachel Primavera danced while the audience clapped along.
“The Italian Club students did a great job dancing La Tarantella Napoletana and deserve a lot of credit,” Simonelli said.
“The student performances were awesome as usual. We have such talented students,” said Mirta Barrea-Marlys, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures and associate professor.
“It takes a lot to get in front of an audience and perform in another language, whether it be by reciting a poem, singing opera, or folk music. Kudos to them for doing so. The participation from Dr. Basilone’s Ocean High School AP Italian class was also all in Italian. These students’ video presentations were so creative and fun. It is really important for the language and culture to have the community be involved as well.”
All agreed that the yearly festival was another success.
“This year it was great, with many students, faculty, and employees,” Simonelli said. “A lot of enthusiasm was around.”
“I thought the festival was a great success and it just keeps getting better every year,” Barrea-Marlys said. “The Italian students and professors work hard to ensure a great show and good food, which is prepared by the students.”
“I think the festival was a success,” McTigue said. “The audience received a well-rounded array of Italian performances and presentations keeping everyone engaged.”
“I must also thank all the students who made the festival complete, preparing authentic delicious Italian food, and those who helped setting up and cleaning at the end of the event,” Simonelli said. “It takes a village to make the event happen. I am very grateful to all my students, my colleagues, and to all those who contributed for the success of the Festa Italiana 2018.”
PHOTO TAKEN by Zach Cosenza
