Tag: italy

Amazing Balboa Park chalk art at Little Italy’s Festa!

Friendly artist at 2015 Festa in San Diego's Little Italy shows me the source material for her Balboa Park themed chalk art creation!
Amazing artist at 2015 Festa in San Diego’s Little Italy.  Smiling, she shows me the source material for her Balboa Park themed chalk art!

Brace yourself! Here come dozens of super cool photos! Check out the amazing chalk art created today for 2015 Festa in San Diego’s Little Italy!  The special theme this year is the centennial of Balboa Park!

Gesso Italiano chalk art is a tradition at Little Italy’s Festa, and every year I’m blown away by all the colorful creations. Most of the images this year are inspired by beautiful Balboa Park, or paintings or artifacts contained in its museums. I arrived to take photos about an hour before the event opened, and many artists were still hard at work. I spoke to one who said their masterpiece took about seven hours to complete. Now that’s dedication to art!

I’ve inserted the team name at the beginning of each caption. Enjoy!

Cecelia Ramos Linayao. Face of child riding Balboa Park's hundred-year-old carousel, which debuted in 1915 for the Panama California Exposition.
Cecelia Ramos Linayao. Face of child riding Balboa Park’s hundred-year-old carousel, which debuted in 1915 for the Panama California Exposition.
Lesley Perdomo. Madonna and child, a popular theme of Gesso Italiano artwork.
Lesley Perdomo. Madonna and child, a popular theme of Gesso Italiano artwork.
Robert Guzman. I believe this might be a hippo at the world famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park!
Robert Guzman. I believe this might be a hippo at the world famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park!
Tonie Garza. The iconic El Cid Campeador statue in the Plaza de Panama. Chalk art celebrating Balboa Park's centennial in 2015.
Tonie Garza. The iconic El Cid Campeador statue in the Plaza de Panama. Chalk art celebrating Balboa Park’s centennial in 2015.
Team Parada. A beautiful face with elaborately styled hair.
Team Parada. A beautiful face with elaborately styled hair.
I didn't get the team name, but this exquisite white chalk portrait was one of my favorite pieces at Festa in Little Italy!
I didn’t get the team name, but this exquisite white chalk portrait was one of my favorite pieces at this year’s Festa in Little Italy!
Before Festa opens, chalk artists work on their creations on two blocks of Beech Street in downtown San Diego.
Before the Festa event opens, chalk artists work to finish their creations.  The art covers two blocks of Beech Street in downtown San Diego.
Squadra Terun. A vividly colorful flower. Perhaps this depicts a scene from Balboa Park's reflecting pool.
Squadra Terun. A vividly colorful flower. Perhaps this depicts a scene from Balboa Park’s reflecting pool.
A bit of random chalk art on the street near the official Festa competition entries.
A bit of random chalk art on the street.  I spotted this near the official Festa competition entries.
Ciao! A chalk image of lilies and koi in the reflecting pool and the Botanical Building in Balboa Park.
Ciao! A chalk image of lilies and koi in the reflecting pool, and the Botanical Building in Balboa Park.
I didn't get the team name. The artist was working from what appeared to be a poster or advertisement with the word Ventimiglia, which is a city in Northern Italy.
I didn’t get the team name. The artist was working from what appeared to be a poster or advertisement with the word Ventimiglia, which is a city in Northern Italy.
Lisa Bernal Brethour. Delicate white blooms formed of chalk.
Lisa Bernal Brethour. Delicate white blooms formed of chalk.
Brianna Cunha. Stylish Gesso Italiano art appears to possibly show bubbles, a glass of beer and wheat.
Brianna Cunha. This stylish Gesso Italiano art appears to possibly show bubbles, a glass of beer and wheat.
Bijan Masoumpanah. This chalk art seems to depict a classic sculpture of a bearded head.
Bijan Masoumpanah. This chalk art seems to depict a classic sculpture of a bearded head.
Valerie Michelle. A super colorful parrot and tropical fish!
Valerie Michelle. A super colorful parrot and tropical fish!
Weenie Kingdom. One of the carved wooden horses from the historic Balboa Park Carousel.
Weenie Kingdom. One of the carved wooden horses from the historic Balboa Park Carousel.
Salgado. Perhaps one can see this big cat at the San Diego Zoo!
Salgado. Perhaps one can see this big cat at the San Diego Zoo!
Killer Queens. Dinosaur skull represents what one is likely to see at the Natural History Museum in Balboa Park.
Killer Queens. Dinosaur skull represents what one is likely to see at the Natural History Museum in Balboa Park.
Cobian. Figure in flowing red dress reclining on a couch.
Cobian. Figure in flowing red dress reclining on a couch.
Team Arcala. Chalk interpretation of the historic Cabrillo Bridge and California Building. The artist had looked for hundred-year-old photos of the bridge under construction, without success.
Team Arcala. Chalk interpretation of the historic Cabrillo Bridge and California Building. The artist had looked for hundred-year-old photos of the bridge under construction, but without success.
Meg. A big smile and a boldly colored work of chalk art taking form on a San Diego street during Festa!
Meg. A big smile and a boldly colored work of chalk art taking form on a San Diego street during 2015 Festa!
Team Pinoy. California Tower and the words Balboa Park Centennial Celebration 2015.
Team Pinoy. California Tower and the words Balboa Park Centennial Celebration 2015.
Team Chalkolate. Another chalk representation of the famous El Cid equestrian sculpture near the center of Balboa Park.
Team Chalkolate. Another chalk representation of the famous El Cid equestrian sculpture near the center of Balboa Park.
Campo Elementary. These gifted students won first place last year! What will this chalk art creation be?
Campo Elementary. These gifted students won first place last year! What will this chalk creation be?
John Vaughn. Chalk version of ornate plaster designs above the west arched entrance to Balboa Park.
John Vaughn. Chalk version of ornate plaster designs above the west arched entrance to Balboa Park.
Two blocks in Little Italy were full of rampant creativity this morning.
Two blocks in Little Italy were full of rampant creativity this morning.
Michael Zamora. Fantastic chalk face based on an Italian painting in the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park.
Michael Zamora. Fantastic chalk face based on an Italian painting in the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park.
Art Within Reach. I thought at first this might be a dog in the lily pond. Then I thought it might be Moby Dick. It's actually a polar bear at the zoo! No ears yet!
Art Within Reach. I thought at first this might be a dog in the lily pond. Then I thought it might be Moby Dick. It’s actually a polar bear at the zoo! No ears yet!
Team Pierre. Vintage images take form as a skilled Gesso Italiano artist takes on the cool theme of Balboa Park's centennial.
Team Pierre. Vintage images take form as a skilled Gesso Italiano artist takes on the cool theme of Balboa Park’s centennial.
Kira Lewis-Martinez. More cool chalk art with a nostalgic feel. The Panama California Exposition marked Balboa Park's debut in 1915.
Kira Lewis-Martinez. More cool chalk art with a nostalgic feel. The Panama California Exposition marked Balboa Park’s debut in 1915.
Lydia Puentes Phillips. Very color koi swimming in the Balboa Park reflecting pool. Great chalk art that captures one of my favorite places!
Lydia Puentes Phillips. Very color koi swimming in the Balboa Park reflecting pool. Great chalk art that captures one of my favorite places!
Raney and Talbott. These guys are basing their image on one of the arched walkways along El Prado--specifically the one next to the Timken Museum.
Raney and Talbott. These artists are basing their image on one of the elegant passageways along El Prado–specifically the one next to the Timken Museum.
Coronado High School. A completed portion of what should eventually be a stunning work of art.
Coronado High School. A completed portion of what should eventually be a stunning work of art.
Liberty Charter High School. A fun giraffe and zebra!
Liberty Charter High School. A fun chalk art giraffe and zebra!
Canyon Crest Academy. The most popular inspiration for this year's Balboa Park centennial theme is the reflecting pool with its beautiful koi and lilies.
Canyon Crest Academy. By far the most popular inspiration for this year’s Balboa Park centennial theme is the reflecting pool with its color-splashed koi and lilies.
Lidia F. Vasquez. Wow! This elaborate mask is super inventive! It's formed out of elements from Balboa Park's unique architecture!
Lidia F. Vasquez. Wow! This elaborate mask is super inventive! It’s formed out of elements from Balboa Park’s unique architecture!
Torrey Hills Elementary School. Gesso Italiano artwork is a tradition at the Festa celebration in Little Italy. I look forward to it every year!
Torrey Hills Elementary School. Gesso Italiano artwork is a tradition at the Festa celebration in Little Italy. I look forward to it every year!
San Diego High School. A girl with a camera in the Botanical Building! I love it!
San Diego High School. A girl with a camera in the Botanical Building! I love it!
Faithful Ambassadors Bible Baptist Academy. Cherry blossoms courtesy of the Japanese Friendship Garden! Is this awesome, or what?
Faithful Ambassadors Bible Baptist Academy. Cherry blossoms courtesy of the Japanese Friendship Garden! Is this awesome, or what?
Washington Elementary STEAM Magnet, based right here in Little Italy! Lots of little colorful scenes along the border.
Washington Elementary STEAM Magnet, based right here in Little Italy! Lots of little colorful scenes along the border.
Team Noni. A very colorful tiger comes alive on the street! More zoo chalk art!
Team Noni. A very colorful tiger comes alive on the street! More amazing zoo animal art!
Julyen Ecoffey. Mother and child spending a sunlit day in San Diego's wonderful Balboa Park.
Julyen Ecoffey. Mother and child spending a sunlit day in San Diego’s wonderful Balboa Park.
Cathedral Catholic High School. Lady with umbrella faces the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Another great image.
Cathedral Catholic High School. Lady with umbrella faces the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Another great image.
Sycamore Ridge Elementary. Not only are there lily pads in the reflecting pool, but there's an Italian gondola! And an Italian flag over the Botanical Building!
Sycamore Ridge Elementary. Not only are there lily pads and flowers in the reflecting pool, but there’s a Venetian gondola! And an Italian flag over the Botanical Building!
Dos Mustachios. One of the two fountains near either end of the Botanical Building. The actual fountains were recently restored by the Friends of Balboa Park.
Dos Mustachios. One of the two fountains near either end of the Botanical Building. The actual fountains were recently restored by the Friends of Balboa Park.
Torrey Pines High School, National Art Honor Society. I could feast my eyes on this glowing chalk artwork all day long!
Torrey Pines High School, National Art Honor Society. I could feast my eyes on this glowing chalk artwork all day long!
Elisabeth Eckert. Abstract image of Moreton Bay fig tree roots, probably either near the Palm Canyon stairs or Natural History Museum.
Elisabeth Eckert. Abstract image of Moreton Bay fig tree roots, probably either near the Palm Canyon stairs or Natural History Museum.
Mel Clarkston Art. It's a green people mover! I see colored tiles from Spanish Village, flags from the International Cottages, and a butterfly from the Zoro Garden!
Mel Clarkston Art. It’s a green people mover! I see colored tiles from Spanish Village, flags from the International Cottages, and a butterfly from the Zoro Garden!
Mount Miguel High School. Everyone loves the reflecting pool. The calm natural beauty is inspiring.
Mount Miguel High School. Everyone loves the reflecting pool. The calm natural beauty is inspiring.
San Pasqual High School. Classic images from Balboa Park rendered using simple, colored chalk. Fantastic!
San Pasqual High School. Classic images from Balboa Park rendered using simple, colored chalk. Fantastic!
The creativity couldn't be contained! It flowed right out of the specified boundary and onto the nearby asphalt!
The creativity couldn’t be contained! It flowed right out of the specified boundary and onto the nearby asphalt!
Steve Alan and Friends. Simple but captivating.
Steve Alan and Friends. Simple but captivating.
Aaron Hernandez. This is crazy! Looks like Planet of the Apes! I'm guessing these are hip simians who hang out at the San Diego Zoo...
Aaron Hernandez. This is crazy! Looks like Planet of the Apes! I’m guessing these are hip simians who hang out at the San Diego Zoo…
Team Arancio. A portion of this chalk art resembles that cool mural painted earlier this year in Spanish Village for the Balboa Park centennial.
Team Arancio. A portion of this chalk art resembles that cool mural painted earlier this year in Spanish Village for the Balboa Park centennial.
Chalk Riot. Wow! I love this! The nice artist said she incorporated elements from throughout Balboa Park, including the facade of the Museum of Man.
Chalk Riot. Wow! I love this! The nice artist said she incorporated elements from throughout Balboa Park, including the facade of the Museum of Man.
Godfrey's. And finally a stooping giraffe. The San Diego Zoo is a favorite place in amazing Balboa Park.
Godfrey’s. And finally a stooping giraffe. The San Diego Zoo is a favorite place in amazing Balboa Park.
Soon thousands will crowd the street to enjoy this great chalk art. I swung by early and got photos of works in progress!
Soon thousands will crowd the street to enjoy this great chalk art. I swung by early and got photos of works in progress!

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Photos of Little Italy procession to bless tuna fleet.

A colorful religious procession makes its way through San Diego's historic Little Italy neighborhood.
A colorful religious procession makes its way through San Diego’s culturally rich Little Italy neighborhood.

Early this afternoon, the historic Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Little Italy celebrated Catholic Mass then held a grand procession. Parishioners marched from State Street in front of their church down to San Diego’s Embarcadero, where a fishing boat representing the local tuna fleet was blessed. I witnessed the procession a few years ago, but took no photos. So today I decided to walk along the sidewalk with my camera.

Forgive me for not knowing the details of the religious procession. I do know a large host of the faithful, in all manner of dress, many of Italian descent, and many carrying images of Jesus and Virgin Mary, marched joyfully north up India Street, then turned west down Hawthorn Street until they reached Harbor Drive. At the Hornblower dock, the fishing boat Patty Jo, which is a common sight out on San Diego Bay, was blessed by the priests of Our Lady of the Rosary. It’s a unique San Diego tradition that dates from the early 50s. At the completion of the religious ceremony, which was not open to the public, fireworks resounded in the overcast October sky!

In the early afternoon few were near the front entrance of the Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Little Italy. That would soon change.
In the early afternoon few were near the front entrance of the Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Little Italy. That would soon change.
Plaque on Our Lady of the Rosary Church. Historical monument dedicated December 20, 1925.
Plaque on Our Lady of the Rosary Church. Historical monument dedicated December 20, 1925.
Banner declares Sunday, October 4 is Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church's much anticipated Festa 2015.
Banner declares Sunday, October 4 is Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church’s much anticipated Festa 2015.
Mass was celebrated at noon in a large outside tent in nearby Amici Park.
Mass was celebrated at noon in a large outside tent in nearby Amici Park.

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The procession slowly assembles after Mass in front of the church.
The procession slowly assembles after Mass in front of the church.
An elegant canopy emerges from the Catholic Church.
An elegant canopy emerges from the Catholic Church.
The unique religious procession, led by a youthful band, is ready to begin.
The colorful religious procession, led by a youthful band, is ready to begin.

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The procession is now heading north up India Street.
The procession is now heading north up India Street.

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Approaching a banner announcing that next Sunday is Little Italy's popular neighborhood Festa.
Approaching a banner announcing that next Sunday is Little Italy’s popular neighborhood Festa.
Passing under the landmark Little Italy sign on India Street.
Passing under the landmark Little Italy sign on India Street.

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I caught an airplane coming over Bankers Hill preparing to land at Lindbergh Field.
I caught an airplane coming over Bankers Hill preparing to land at Lindbergh Field.
Now proceeding down Hawthorn. The threatened rain held off for the event!
Now proceeding down Hawthorn. The threatened rain held off for the event!
You can see that hundreds participated in this truly grand spectacle.
You can see that hundreds participated in this truly grand spectacle.

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Finally arriving at San Diego Bay.
Finally arriving at San Diego Bay.
A Harbor Patrol boat gives a water cannon salute for the occasion.
A Harbor Patrol boat gives a water cannon salute for the occasion.
Priests and those instrumental in blessing the tuna boats head onto the Hornblower dock at Grape Street.
Priests and those instrumental in blessing the tuna boats head onto the Hornblower dock at Grape Street.
My camera could just catch a glimpse of the elaborate Catholic ritual beside the Patty Jo fishing boat.
My camera could just catch a glimpse of the elaborate Catholic ritual beside the Patty Jo fishing boat.
Fireworks launched from a nearby pier burst loudly in the air like exultant sparks.
Fireworks launched from a nearby pier burst loudly in the air like exultant sparks.
Little puffs of smoke hover in the heavens after the fireworks.
Little puffs of smoke hover in the heavens after the fireworks.
The Patty Jo now confidently heads off across the gray water, hoping for safe ocean journeys and bountiful catches.
The Patty Jo now confidently heads off across the gray water, hoping for safe ocean journeys and bountiful catches.

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Preparing for another delicious day in Little Italy.

Typical early morning deliveries in Little Italy include kegs of beer and boxes of spirits.
Typical early morning deliveries in Little Italy include kegs of beer and boxes of spirits.

Another early morning stroll. Today: through Little Italy. Trucks were lined up on India Street, delivering to many popular restaurants. You like Italian? You like a friendly neighborhood with history and character? This is the place to go.

Food delivery truck advertisement promotes San Diego Restaurant Week, September 20-27.
Food delivery truck advertisement promotes San Diego Restaurant Week, September 20-27.
Pulling the dolly up a ramp, getting ready to retrieve potatoes and other fresh ingredients for a tasty Italian meal.
Pulling the dolly up a ramp, getting ready to retrieve potatoes and other fresh ingredients for a tasty Italian meal.
Plaque in sidewalk on Date Street declares A nickel will get you on the subway, but garlic will get you a seat. Old New York Proverb
Plaque in sidewalk on Date Street declares: A nickel will get you on the subway, but garlic will get you a seat. Old New York Proverb
A second plaque further down the sidewalk proclaims Las cosas claras y el chocolate espeso. Ideas should be clear and chocolate thick. Spanish Proverb
A second plaque further down the sidewalk proclaims: Las cosas claras y el chocolate espeso. Ideas should be clear and chocolate thick. Spanish Proverb
Little Italy street banner shows actor Danny DeVito enjoying a drink.
Little Italy street banner shows actor Danny DeVito enjoying a drink.
An umbrella and chairs that will soon be arranged for casual alfresco dining.
An umbrella and chairs that will soon be arranged for casual alfresco dining.
Lady inside Little Italy eatery is busy preparing for another delicious day. Buon Appetito.
Lady inside Little Italy eatery is busy preparing for another delicious day. Buon Appetito.

Bocce Ball Tournament at Little Italy’s Festa.

Participants in Little Italy's Festa Bocce Ball Tournament at practice.
Participants in Little Italy’s Festa Bocce Ball Tournament at practice.

During last Sunday’s Festa event in San Diego’s Little Italy, an exciting bocce tournament was held at Amici Park, right next to all the glorious Gesso Italiano chalk art.

Bocce is similar to lawn bowling and dates back to the ancient Roman Empire. According to a plaque set in the concrete near one of Amici Park’s bocce courts, it’s the world’s oldest sport!

I captured a few pics of the action!

Two bocce courts are open to the public in Amici Park near sculptures of Italian food!
Two bocce courts are open to the public in Amici Park near sculptures of Italian food!
Man prepares to strategically send bocce ball down the long court.
Man prepares to strategically send bocce ball down the long court.
Watching the action on a lazy, perfect San Diego weekend.
Watching the action on a lazy, perfect San Diego weekend.
I saw a lot of stylish hats and calculating, cunning players.
I saw a lot of stylish hats and calculating, cunning players.
Gentleman leans against checkered tablecloth set with a plate of metal artichokes.
Gentleman leans against checkered tablecloth set with a plate of metal artichokes.
Rules of bocce on a plaque. The right way to play bocce is the way your dad plays!
Rules of bocce on a plaque. The right way to play bocce is the way your dad plays!

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School students create amazing chalk art at Festa!

School kids create fantastic chalk art on Little Italy street for 2014 Festa event.
School students create amazing chalk art on a Little Italy street for the 2014 Festa event.

2014 Festa takes place tomorrow! The extremely popular event, this year celebrating its 20th anniversary, will be held as usual on the streets of Little Italy, a neighborhood on the north side of downtown San Diego. I’m excited!

Why?

The Gesso Italiano chalk art! Several city blocks will be overflowing with absolutely fantastic artistic creations! Perhaps you remember my blogs posts about the astounding chalk art at 2013 Festa. You’ll find them here, here and here.

Today a small army of artists began to work on a several block stretch of bare asphalt in San Diego. Tomorrow over a hundred thousand people will crowd Date Street and admire the finished masterpieces.

One block of Date Street has been reserved just for school kids! They were hard at work when I walked past today mid-afternoon!

Stand by for loads more photos tomorrow! I’m heading out to Festa in the early morning wearing comfortable walking shoes!

Washington Elementary STEAM students attend school just up the street.
Washington Elementary STEAM students attend school just up the street.
This Italian chalk art will be admired by tens of thousands on Sunday.
This Italian chalk art will be admired by tens of thousands on Sunday.
Roosevelt I.B. Middle School students work on a scene that includes a gondola.
Roosevelt I.B. Middle School students work on a scene that includes a gondola.
The chalk artists usually use existing artwork as a guide.
The many chalk artists usually use existing images as a guide.
Gesso Italiano chalk art is extremely bold, bright and colorful.
Gesso Italiano chalk art is extremely bold, bright and colorful.
Santa Fe Christian High School students were creating some fun, inspired art!
Santa Fe Christian High School students were creating some fun, inspired art!
Grant Pecoff has a studio in Little Italy. His original artwork is being duplicated.
Grant Pecoff has a studio in Little Italy. His original artwork is being duplicated.
Torrey Pines High School National Art Honor Society student works on asphalt canvas.
Torrey Pines High School National Art Honor Society student works on asphalt canvas.
Platt College had partially completed this, but no one was present when I walked past.
Platt College had partially completed this, but no one was present when I walked past.
13 year old Lidia F. Vasquez has been creating amazing chalk art for 4 years!
13 year old Lidia F. Vasquez has been creating stunning chalk art for 4 years!
Here's what Lidia is working from. She attends High Tech Middle School.
Here’s what Lidia is working from. She attends High Tech Middle School.
And this is the cool masterpiece young Lidia is producing. Wow!
And this is the super cool, mind-blowing masterpiece young Lidia is producing. Wow!
Teresa Elliot is almost finished with this abstract many-colored human face.
Teresa Elliot is almost finished with this abstract many-colored human face.
The Mount Miguel High School design appears to contain a cherub with rainbow wings.
The Mount Miguel High School design appears to contain a cherub with rainbow wings.
Very talented young people are hard at work on a sunny day in San Diego.
Very talented young people are hard at work on a sunny day in San Diego.
Team from Cathedral Catholic High School works to create some elaborate art.
Team from Cathedral Catholic High School works to create some elaborate art.
Chalk outlines of human figures that are slowly taking form.
Chalk outlines of human figures that are slowly taking form.
Torrey Hills Elementary kids are making something Italian that looks tasty!
Torrey Hills Elementary kids are making something Italian that looks tasty!
San Pasqual High School still has a bit or work to do. I can't wait to see it finished!
San Pasqual High School still has a bit or work to do. I can’t wait to see it finished!
Lincoln Acres Art Program is creating a cool Mona Lisa optical illusion with chalk!
Lincoln Acres Art Program is creating a cool Mona Lisa optical illusion with chalk!
I could take photos of this incredible stuff all day!
I could take photos of this incredible stuff all day!
One block of Cedar Street at Festa is dedicated to school students and their art!
One block of Date Street at Festa is dedicated to school students and their art!

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San Diego’s annual Sicilian Festival in Little Italy.

Sicilian Festival dignitaries parade flags down India Street.
Sicilian Festival dignitaries parade flags down India Street.

I took an enjoyable walk today. San Diego’s heat wave has ended and this weekend was perfect. The best part of my walk was just wandering randomly through Little Italy’s annual Sicilian Festival. India Street was streaming with crowds enjoying Italian food, romantic music, art, history and several blocks jammed with colorful sights. I devoured some yummy pizza and spoke with a few interesting people.

Here are a few cool pics!

Tuscany Italian tablecloths line a vendor's tent.
Tuscany Italian tablecloths line a vendor’s tent.
Italian food up and down India Street smelled great!
Italian and other food up and down India Street smelled great!
Wagon painted with colorful scenes of Medieval chivalry.
Wagon painted with colorful scenes of Medieval chivalry.
Sharing his Sicilian legacy from past generations.
Sharing his Sicilian legacy from past generations.

One block was devoted to Sicilian culture and the history of San Diego’s Little Italy. Several interesting people were sharing their own stories.

Local novelist Corey Lynn Fayman sold some books!
Local novelist Corey Lynn Fayman sold some books!

Local author Corey Lynn Fayman sold me his novel Border Field Blues. It’s a detective story set at the Mexican border. I’ve read a few pages and so far it’s great!

Jim Bregante shares his childhood experience of the waterfront.
Jim Bregante shares his childhood memories of the waterfront.

I caught the last few minutes of Jim Bregante’s historical presentation, called San Diego’s Waterfront through the Eyes of a Child. He was remembering the colorful nicknames of the local Italians that he knew when he was young. I wish I’d heard his entire talk! What a great treasure trove of historical memories. Other people in other places should follow his example!

What Italian fishermen used to catch off San Diego.
What Italian fishermen used to catch off San Diego.
Many old photos of tuna fishermen from Little Italy.
Many old photos of tuna fishermen from Little Italy.
Crushing grapes was part of the Sicilian Festival!
Crushing grapes was part of the Sicilian Festival!
Various musicians played the accordion.
Various musicians played the accordion.
Banner shows Italian Padres player Chris Denorfia.
Banner shows Padres player Chris Denorfia.
Some kids had an awesome bungee experience!
Some kids had an awesome bungee experience!
The frantic pasta eating contest is underway.
The frantic pasta eating contest is underway.
The sauce-faced winner raises his arms in triumph!
The sauce-faced winner raises his arms in triumph!

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Fantastic murals on India Street in Little Italy.

Vivid mural adds zest to an ordinary building on India Street.
Vivid mural adds zest to an ordinary building on India Street.

One great thing about Little Italy, a lively neighborhood in downtown San Diego, is the abundance of public art.  Should you ever walk down India Street past the many coffee shops, restaurants and art galleries, you’ll almost certainly find yourself lingering in front of a colorful mural.  They seem to be everywhere.

I recently strolled down India Street and took these photos:

Two people gaze from painted mural window in Little Italy.
Two people gaze from painted mural window in Little Italy.
Public mural in Little Italy is alive with warmth.
Public mural in Little Italy is alive with warmth.
Mural seems to reveal one man’s mysterious, inner life.
Mural seems to reveal one man’s mysterious, inner life.
Mural high on side of building depicts Venetian gondoliers.
Mural high on side of building depicts Venetian gondoliers.
Artwork inside passage to stylish courtyard near La Pensione Hotel.
Artwork inside passage to stylish courtyard near La Pensione Hotel.
La Pensione Hotel in Little Italy has an interesting semi-outdoor area with lots of murals.
La Pensione Hotel in Little Italy has a semi-outdoor area with lots of murals.
Fragment of the Sistine Chapel on a building wall.
Fragment of the Sistine Chapel on a building wall.

Festa fun in San Diego’s Little Italy!

a crowd enjoys festa in little italy

Okay, here come some pics from my stroll through Festa today. This popular festival featured food, entertainment and lots of art. It took place in Little Italy, a neighborhood in the north part of downtown San Diego, once populated largely by Italian fisherman who worked in the local tuna fleet. But that was decades ago. The streets today are lined mostly with condos, restaurants and shops.

checking out some italian stuff at festa

Thousands of San Diegans turned out for the celebration. There were plenty of tents filled with crafts, clothing, toys, jewelry–just about anything you could imagine. Almost all of it was Italian-themed.

musicians perform at festa in san diego

Musical performers could be heard everywhere, entertaining the crowd from several stages. There was much romantic Italian music–and I even heard a bit of opera!

festa artist sets up some paintings

This lady is setting up some paintings behind a Little Italy fountain.

festa artwork around little italy fountain

I saw this really cool sculpture (and a number of others) beside the same fountain. All sorts of interesting elements are in this photograph!

italian food galore at little italy's festa

Italian food could be found (and smelled) wherever one turned! I enjoyed a slice of pizza!

musician plays accordion at italian festa

Smilin’ Jack performed with his accordion! That’s just a small taste of Festa!