Italian Heritage Festival Coming to Niagara Square

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Photo credit Brendan Keany

BUFFALO (WBEN) - The Galbani Italian Heritage Festival has a new home this year.

"Ladies and gentlemen take a look around at the new address of the Galbani Italian Heritage Festival right here in beautiful Niagara Square," said Mark Sciortino. "We are excited to announce that we are coming back to our roots. In 1921, the original Italian Festival was right here at St. Anthony's Church."

Sciortino was joined by other prominent local Italian restaurateurs including Dennis DiPaulo, Lou Billittier and Russell Salvatore.

This year, Niagara Square will be transformed into a traditional Italian gathering place "where guests can relax and enjoy the delicacies of Italy, the aromas along with the sights and sounds."

There will be plenty of activities to keep guests busy this year:

  • Russell J. Salvatore Fireworks Display at 10 pm on Saturday
  • Italian street musicians and "Tarantella" dancers performing every day
  • A special celebration display of Leonardo Da Vinci
  • Sicilian puppet shows
  • Grape Stomping
  • Crafts

Also, St. Anthony's of Padua Church, which serves as the mother church for the Italian community, will host mass on Sunday at 11 am, which will be followed by a procession around Niagara Square at noon.