Community Corner
Italian Festival Comes to the New Rochelle Public Library
This event was made possible by the New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District Family Days (BID).
To celebrate Italian Heritage and Cultural Month, families and friends came to the New Rochelle Public Library Saturday to learn about Italian culture.
The Grand Market presented local restaurants, bakeries, fruits and vegetables stands and even a knife sharpening table. The selection of vendors included gourmet items and ethnic prepared foods.
Maria Cedano, a vendor at the Grand Market, was selling her homemade Latino seasoning.
“This is my first year here at the Grand Market. I love talking to people and exchanging ideas, its a great way to get the community together,” she said.
Maria explained what ingredients she uses in her products, as well as expressing why the seasoning is so fresh and healthy.
This New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District Family Days event drew in a big crowd. The festival included a music and dance show by the Coro d’Italia, a singing and dancing group who performed traditional Italian favorites including the famous Tarantella.
The Coro d’Italia group were able to connect with all ages from the crowd. People enjoyed listening to all the different performers, while learning about different types of Italian dance and music. They even taught the audience what Coro d’Italia means, translating to the choir of Italy.
Tables were set up for children to create projects inspired by Italian vetrate artistiche (stained glass windows). The instructors running the arts and crafts tables taught the young children what each project was about and why it was important to the Italian culture.
Gina Nardella, resident of New Rochelle said, “It was my first time attending this festival and I will definitely be back next year. The vendors were all so unique and it was great to be able to try different foods and learn about art while listening to traditional Italian music with my family.”
This event was a great way to get the family together while learning about Italian culture. People enjoyed trying new foods, listening to the Coro d’Italia group and interacting with local residents. Most people agreed that they will attend upcoming events hosted by BID Family Days.
Barbara Davis, community relations coordinator for the New Rochelle Public Library, was at the Mini Italian Festival greeting local residents, as well as admiring the dancers from the Coro d’Italia performance.
The Business Improvement District Family Days will be hosting free events throughout October and November. Some include The Family Fun Fall Festivals and the Costume Parade followed by a Pumpkin-Painting event.
