On Saturday, May 31st, I had the pleasure of photographing Festa Italiana in the heart of North Beach — San Francisco’s ONLY Italian Street Fair. It was a day brimming with vibrant energy, music, tradition, and the unmistakable aroma of Italian food in the air.
From the colorful Italian vendor faire to the joyous chatter of the crowd, the entire neighborhood transformed into a lively celebration of culture and community. There were so many special moments to capture — including a thrilling pizza toss performance by 13-time World Champion and restaurateur Tony Gemignani of Tony’s Pizza Napoletana that had the crowd cheering with excitement.
Attendees had the chance to taste exquisite Italian cuisine and wine, featuring Capo Isetta and Highway 12 wines, while exploring booths from beloved local vendors such as Lianna’s Soaps, Giovanni’s Specialties, Mozzeria, Fogliani Pizzelles, Gio Gelati, Poesia Cafe, Amelia Imports, Graffeo, The Painted Lady, and many more.
For families, the Kids’ Corner offered crafts, games, and even tarantella dancing lessons — a sweet reminder that traditions are best passed on through joy and play.
Among the many booths lining the street, the Italian Community Services stand stood out as a meaningful reminder of the deep roots and enduring mission of this organization. Founded in 1916 and headquartered at Casa Fugazi — a place originally built and donated by John and Johanna Fugazi to ensure a home for “benevolent and educational work as well as music, art and culture” — ICS continues to be a pillar of support for the Italian and Italian American community in the Bay Area. Their presence at Festa Italiana underscored the importance of connection, continuity, and the power of community to preserve heritage while looking toward the future.
Wandering through the crowd with my camera, I felt immersed in a living mosaic of Italian-American pride — a day that wasn’t just about food and fun, but about belonging. Every photo I took was a small piece of that vibrant story.
Scroll down to enjoy some of the colors and smiles I captured — and if you were there, I hope you spot yourself in the crowd!
