Breonna Dull
Features Editor
On Sept. 21, 2024, Lititz Springs Park was alive with the flavor, art, and music of Italy. More guests than ever attended the third annual L’Italia Italian Festival of Lititz, PA, hosted by the Keystone Italian Project. Food vendors, businesses, non-profits, and family-friendly activities stretched the length of the park. Artisan vendors displayed their work in the Villaggio Artigiano craft village and the Fiat Club of Central Pennsylvania showcased classic Italian cars. Guests delighted in authentic Italian cuisine, Italian-inspired dishes, and local offerings from the VFW’s Beer and Wine Garden.
The L’Italia Festival is the product of a shared dream: celebrating Italy’s culture in American Society. The idea was born from a group of Italian-Americans who, driven by a passion for their heritage, wanted to create a festival that honors their traditions and connects with new generations. Many of the event’s organizers were born in Italy and emigrated to the U.S. Young families saw the opportunity to enrich their children’s understanding of their heritage.
“They really wanted to infuse their children with the spirit of that culture,” said Mary Cae, the assistant organizer of the festival. “They wanted to highlight Italian American culture in a variety of ways and keep in touch with each other.”
For Nella Steward of the Lancaster Italian Cultural Society, the event holds personal significance. Born and raised in Rome, Steward moved to the U.S. at age 17, living in New Jersey before settling in Lancaster. For her, the festival is a way to stay connected to her roots while sharing a sense of common identity with others.
“The event today has exposed us to so many people,” Steward shared. “It was so much fun because we brought in a map of Italy, and people gladly stopped by and told me their stories. We’d look for the town they came from and place a marker. You can see that they are grateful for doing this today and proud of where they come from.”
Outside the festival, Steward is dedicated to sharing Italian culture through the Lancaster Italian Cultural Society. It was founded 25 years ago after the previous Italian-American society folded. A group of mostly Italian immigrant families founded the group to preserve their heritage and familiar way of life. Their goal was to teach their children about their origins, customs, history, language, and culinary arts, ensuring the culture they loved remained alive.
Today, the society is thriving with around 180 families actively involved. They organize a variety of enriching activities, from language lessons to trips to New York and Italy, social gatherings, and meetings with guest speakers. The society is eager to welcome anyone interested in Italian heritage, regardless of background.
“You don’t have to be Italian,” Steward emphasized. “We don’t care about your ethnicity, race, or religion—everyone is welcome. We have fun and learn so much together.”
The festival also featured a wide variety of events that truly captured the spirit of Italy. Guests admired classic Italian cars, indulged in traditional foods, participated in cultural activities, and enjoyed live performances.
One of the participating organizations, The Anchor in Lancaster, was present to share their mission and services with attendees. Originally starting as a simple coffee gathering after church, The Anchor has since expanded into a vital resource for the community. It now offers breakfast, a day center, showers, case management, street outreach, and assistance with housing, education, and healthcare. Their goal is to provide a safe and welcoming space for anyone in need, offering a break from harsh realities and a place to recharge, both physically and mentally. Nonprofits such as the Anchor highlight the importance of community and allow attendees to get involved.
Beyond the entertainment, the festival holds a deeper purpose: to preserve the culture and traditions of Italy, especially for younger generations and those who may not have a direct link to the country.
“There’s a little piece of Italy here today and I am able to be who I really am,” Steward said. “I think I brought joy to a lot of people, even just a little bit, by speaking Italian, sharing recipes, and inviting them to be a member of our society.”
Plans for future festivals will only grow inviting more guests and partnerships. In previous years, organizers sought out businesses to participate, but now businesses are approaching them. This shift marks a significant milestone in the festival’s growth and popularity, proving its growing reputation as a beloved community event. Each year, the festival promises to become bigger and better, offering a genuine taste of Italy to all who attend.
“I want to share what I have and who I am,” said Nella. “This is home, but Italy is where I was born, and it really calls you back.”
You can find the festival’s website at lititz.it or their Facebook page at lanc.news/litalia24 for future events. To engage in Italian cultural events and information, visit the Lancaster Italian Cultural Society’s website https://www.lancaster-italian-cultural-society.org/.”
