Memphis Italian Festival


The Memphis Italian Festival is a weekend-long event held annually in Memphis, Tennessee on the last weekend of May.

Background

Started in 1989, it takes place every year in Marquette Park, located in the middle of East Memphis on the corner of Mt. Moriah and Park. People from the entire Mid-South come to enjoy Italian culture for a weekend with activities and food. The festival is based on the values, beliefs, and traditions of the Italian-American culture present, especially in the Mid-South
The festival started in 1989. The benefits of the Memphis Italian Festival go directly to the kids of Holy Rosary Parish School, a Catholic Elementary school in Memphis, Tennessee.

Activities

The city of Memphis regularly celebrates traditions dealing with music and food. The activities at the festival include live musical performances, consisting of both local and national bands. There are performances all three days of the weekend all throughout the day. Other forms of entertainment include the Coors Light Bocce Ball Tournament, the Galtelli Cup Recreational Bocce Tournament, carnival games, grape stomping, a volleyball tournament, and arts and crafts. Every year, teams also compete for the best gravy and the best homemade wine. The best booth at the festival and the best powder room also win competitions.