The 100th Annual St. Peter’s Italian Festival kicks off this Friday August 8th on Federal Street between India and Hampshire Streets in the old “Little Italy” neighborhood of Portland, ME. The feast celebrating the “Assumption of Mary and Saint Rocco” begins 5:00 pm and goes until 10:00 pm on Friday August 8th and Saturday August 9th. This year’s theme is “Celebrating the History of St. Peter’s and the Spirit of Little Italy” in Portland, ME.
The Italian cookie baking crew will be at it all day Tuesday August 6th and Wednesday August 7th beginning at 7:30 am. During this 2-day event leading up to the festival they will handcraft 13,000 Italian cookies, 3500 Cannoli, 2000 Pizzelles, plus cakes, Tiramisu, and new this year the Italian Rainbow Cake. These very experienced bakers will use 180 dozen eggs, 600 pounds of flour and 250 pounds of sugar to create these delicious confectionary delights.
Also, on Friday night, during the opening ceremony of the Bazaar 2025, Maine’s 13th Bishop of Portland, James T. Ruggieri, will officially open and bless the new “Grotto” at St. Peter’s parish. Live music entertainment is featured both nights … on Friday August 8th, we showcase the very popular local musician … “Jim Ciampi … and his 7-piece Premier Dance Band”.
On Saturday night August 9th the festival presents “Viva Las Elvis, … staring national award-winning tribute artist: Dan Fontaine & the Memphis Sun Mafia Band …. plus Las Vegas headliner “Jimmy Mazz” singing all your familiar favorites.
The annual two-night event draws thousands coming back to the old neighborhood to catch up with family, reminisce with old friends, celebrate old world Italian customs and enjoy great Italian food. Come celebrate our 100th Anniversary Bazaar & Street Festival.
