What is more exciting than a big Italian party? Portland’s Pioneer Square becomes “Piazza Italia” for a short 4 days, August 21st-24th. Italian celebrations are known for good food and celebration. The smell of pizza, garlic, oregano and pasta, pasta, pasta welcomes you into the Piazza. Some will want a little vino or Italian beer which will also be available in our garden.

Soloists from Portland State University will perform arias and ensembles from Italian operas. The PSU Music Department is impressive this year with fantastic reviews of La Bohe`me. To show our support of local opera, Festa Italiana is now offering a $5000.00 annual scholarship to a PSU student enrolled in the Music Department with an emphasis in opera. We are also offering a $2500.00 annual support scholarship to the PSU Summer Opera Camp for secondary students. High school students will also perform. Come out and show your support of these talented performers.

When: Thursday, August 21st, 2008
Where: Pioneer Square
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm (Opera starts at 7:00 pm)

For more information as well as a complete schedule of Festa Italiana events, visit www.festa-italiana