Rooted In Tradition. Honoring Our Heritage. United By Culture.
Twenty-five years ago, what would become one of South Florida’s most beloved Italian American celebrations began simply—with two friends, a cup of coffee and a shared belief that their heritage deserved to be celebrated.
Jerry Somma and Bill Fagnano, both second-generation Italian Americans, grew up surrounded by family, food, music and the traditions of their ancestors. They loved the arts, theater, dance and festivals, but envisioned something more: an event centered on family, culture, connection and the unmistakable spirit of an Italian piazza.
The first Galbani Feast of Little Italy was held in 2001 on a much smaller scale at CityPlace in West Palm Beach. The response was immediate. Families came. Friends gathered. The community embraced it.
And the event grew.
Eventually, the festival found its home in Abacoa in Jupiter—a setting surrounded by neighborhoods, families and a community that has brought generations of families and friends together year after year.
“We share old traditions, but we create new memories,” says Somma. That may be the simplest way to describe the magic of the Galbani Feast of Little Italy.
For generations of Italian Americans, Little Italys across the country have been places to honor the sacrifices of ancestors who left their homelands in search of a better life—to celebrate heritage, gather around food, honor patron saints and pass traditions from one generation to the next.
The Galbani Feast of Little Italy carries that spirit forward.
Where Memories Are Made
At the heart of the festival is the joy of gathering. Somma often compares the feast to the meets and greets in a piazza in Italy—where people stop, talk, share stories, catch up with friends and simply enjoy being together.
And after 25 years, it is the people who make the memories.
There have been birthday celebrations, including a 100th birthday surrounded by family, along with engagements, reunions and countless family milestones. Families who first attended with young children now return with children of their own.
“When people ask me what I love most about the feast, it’s seeing three generations of a family come together,” says Somma. “They eat, they laugh, they enjoy the music and they spend time together. In today’s busy and chaotic lifestyle, this is so important.”
A Celebration Of Italian American Accomplishments
For 25 years, the Galbani Feast of Little Italy has also celebrated the accomplishments and contributions of Italian Americans through an extraordinary lineup of entertainment.
The festival has welcomed acclaimed performers and actors including Frankie Avalon, Tommy Mara, Joe Piscopo, Bobby Rydell, Johnny Maestro, Gianni Russo, Eddie Mekka, Dominic Chianese, Sal Richards and Frank Stallone, along with a new generation of performers including Christian Guardino, Anthony Nunziata and Austin Giorgio.
This year, Frank Stallone and his band will take the stage as part of the 25th Anniversary celebration.
The festival has earned recognition of its own, including being named “Best Overall Italian Festival” by the National Association of Italian Festivals in 2011 and earning a place in the Guinness World Records in 2014 for creating the “World’s Largest Cannoli.” This year, the Galbani Feast of Little Italy will showcase another attempt for another world record.
Taste A Little Bit Of Italy
Food is at the heart of Italian and Italian American culture—and it has always been at the heart of the Galbani Feast of Little Italy.
The Galbani La Cucina Cooking Stage brings that philosophy to life with cooking demonstrations, recipes and culinary inspiration. Galbani, a brand with a rich Italian American heritage, is a longtime national sponsor of the festival.
National and local sponsors include Galbani, Moretti Beer, Voga Italia, Spritz Del Conte, Beachside Golf Cars, Sicilian Oven, Joseph’s Classic Market, Florida Window & Door, Roger Dean Stadium and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
A Feast With A Purpose
While the Galbani Feast of Little Italy celebrates culture, it also celebrates community.
For more than 17 years, the festival has served as the birthplace and launch point for the Little Smiles Holiday Toy Drive, helping local children in need experience the joy of the holidays. Over the years, the Toy Drive has generated nearly $1 million in support and brought more than 400,000 toys to children throughout the local community.
Festival attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to help kick off this year’s holiday drive.
The Galbani Feast of Little Italy also brings a significant economic impact to the Northern Palm Beaches, drawing residents and visitors from across Palm Beach County and beyond. For three days, festivalgoers support local restaurants, hotels, shops and businesses, making the celebration an important part of the area’s tourism and business community.
25 Years Later, The Legacy Continues
As the Galbani Feast of Little Italy celebrates 25 years, its legacy continues to evolve. Co-founder Bill Fagnano retired several years ago, while longtime festival team member Sarah Lott now serves as vice president, working alongside Jerry Somma to carry the celebration into its next chapter.
The future is bright, but the mission remains the same: celebrate Italian-American heritage, honor the sacrifices of those who came before, bring families together and create a place where everyone feels welcome.
“We remain mindful of the sacrifices our ancestors made to come to this country,” says Somma. “Through the Feast, we celebrate the accomplishments of great Italian Americans, honor our customs and traditions, and look forward to many more years of bringing people together.”
Old Traditions. New Memories. One Extraordinary Community.
After 25 years, the Galbani Feast of Little Italy is still doing what Jerry and Bill imagined over that first cup of coffee: Bringing a little bit of Italy—and a whole lot of heart—to South Florida.
The community is invited to celebrate the 25th Anniversary Galbani Feast of Little Italy, November 6 to 8, in Abacoa, Jupiter. Admission is free. For more information, visit https://www.feastoflittleitaly.com/.
Grazie mille—and here’s to the next 25 years!
Rooted In Tradition. Honoring Our Heritage. United By Culture
