In the spirit of Italian Heritage Month, Galbani® Bella Vita Fest celebrates Italian culture with chalk art, Italian wine, food and music – all in the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy, Oct. 18-19.
More than 40-plus expert chalk artists, depicting Italian themes, will line the streets of Little Italy, with live Italian music, La Cucina Galbani Cooking Stage, Italian merchants and Italian food for purchase. Plus, Italian winemakers will be offering tastings, via Vicolo del Vino.
Bella Vita gives attendees the opportunity to sip on over 10 different wines sourced from different regions in Italy in the Giardino del Vino, with 5- and 12-taste ticket options. And new for 2025, the Pizza Slice-Off offers foodies an exclusive tasting from some of Little Italy’s best purveyors of melt-in-your mouth pizza pies. Mamma Mia! Ticketholders will decide on the winner of the best pizza, while a panel of expert judges will decide on a separate winner.
While each of these additional experiences are ticketed, Bella Vita Fest is an all-ages event, and free to attend. Bring the whole famiglia to enjoy the sights, sounds and flavors of everything Italiano!
Advance tickets can be purchased on the ArtWalk San Diego website – 5-taste wine ticket is $25, while the 12-taste wine ticket is $55. Sunday’s Pizza Slice-Off tickets are $35, which includes one “snack-sized” slice from each participating restaurant/vendor.
“Bella Vita Fest has been on the drawing table for a long time – San Diegans love to experience chalk art being made, plus all the Italian wine, cooking demonstrations, music and food…you feel like you’re in Italy!” said Curt Brooker, Director.
“The festival is a unique experience for attendees to view more than 40 chalk art paintings being created live before your eyes on the pavement, all while treating yourself to a wide array of authentic Italian culture,” Brooker added. “We’re so happy to expand the event with Galbani as this year’s title sponsor, as well as hosting the La Cucina Galbani Cooking Stage for the second year. Pairing food and wine, with the chalk art – what could be better in San Diego’s Little Italy?!?”
October is Italian Heritage month, and the festival celebrates the tradition of street painting which began in 16th century Italy with traveling artists, many of whom had been brought into the cities to work on the cathedrals. When the work was done, they would often recreate the paintings of “Madonna” on the pavement; they became known as Madonnari. Street painting thrives today in festivals throughout the world. Street painters prefer this temporary performance art form that is created live before the eyes on the asphalt.
This year, La Cucina Galbani Cooking Stage expands. Chef Marco, a brand ambassador for Galbani cheese, will hit the stage for several different on-stage cooking classes and demos along with other local area chefs. He blends artistry and expertise in the culinary realm; hailing from a rich culinary background, his innovative recipes highlight the versatility of Galbani cheeses and easy-to-make Italian-style dishes. With a commitment to excellence, Chef Marco’s creations not only tantalize taste buds but also celebrate the heritage and tradition of Galbani cheese.
In 1988, Chef Marco (Mark Sciortino) opened his first restaurant Marco’s Italian Restaurant in Buffalo, New York, becoming the youngest restaurant owner in Western New York. He has created and served traditional, family-favorite Italian dishes for more than 37 years. Chef Marco is also known as the “Sangwich King” because of his Marco’s Italian Deli which is “Home of the Original SANGWICH!”
Lactalis American Group, Inc., makers of Galbani cheese, is headquartered in Buffalo, NY. They are a part of the world’s leading dairy company, Lactalis Group, which is a French family business founded in 1933 in Laval, France. Lactalis hired Chef Marco in 2008 to be their spokesperson and demonstrate creative, simple and fun cooking tips for three national TV shows. His humorous, easy-going nature helped grow his success as a TV personality.
After more than 17 years, Galbani Chef Marco continues to host the La Cucina Galbani Cooking Stage and performs cooking demos at Italian Festivals across the country. He is the host and chef of the online Galbani Cooking Series. As Chef Marco continues to run his Restaurant, he travels the country as a Galbani brand ambassador. He has appeared on many morning shows in California, Florida, and New York and is a featured chef on numerous local TV and radio shows in Western New York. Follow Chef Marco’s culinary adventures for a delectable exploration of flavors that redefine the essence of cheese-infused delights in his social media or visit www.galbanichefmarco.com.
Bella Vita is brought to San Diego by the ArtWalk San Diego team who produce the annual, spring Mission Federal ArtWalk, ArtWalk Liberty Station each August, and fall ArtWalk Carlsbad.
The event will run from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. For more information on Bella Vita Fest, please visit www.bellavitafest.com.
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