ITALIAN FESTIVAL TIME
FOR GIOIA COMPANY!

“2014 -- The Year of the Italian Language in America”

 
THIS MONTH FESTA GIOIA WILL BE ON THE ROAD WHERE WE'LL MEET YOU OUT AMONG THOSE CELEBRATING OUR CULTURE AT THE ITALIAN FAMILY FESTA SAN JOSE.

AUGUST IN ITALY IS VERY HOT. AND MANY FAMILIES MAKE TIME FOR THE SEASIDE, MOUNTAINS, AND COUNTRYSIDE TO ESCAPE THE HEAT. WE KNOW THIS AS FERRAGOSTO. THE TRADITION GOES BACK TO ROMAN TIMES.

FERRAGOSTO is a Latin expression, feriae Augusti (Augustus' rest), indicating a festivity set up by Emperor Augustus in 18 B.C. as an addition to existing ancient Roman Festivals such as the Vinalia Rustica or the Consualia, celebrating the harvest and the end of the main agricultural tasks which also fell in August. The ancient Ferragosto, also called Augustali, provided a suitable period of rest necessary after the hard labor of the previous weeks. In the entire empire during the celebrations, horse races were organized, and labor animals like donkeys, oxen, and mules were decorated with flowers. Such ancient traditions are still alive today, virtually unchanged. The main holiday in August called Ferragosto is the Assumption on August 15th, a religious holiday celebrating Mary’s assumption into Heaven. August is also the second running of the Palio horse race in Siena on August 16th. The Verona Opera Festival is still going during August. For more Festivals click here http://www.italylogue.com/festivals.

LOCALLY WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT THE ITALIAN FAMILY FESTA, hosted by the Italian American Heritage Foundation San Jose and taking place August 23 and 24 in the new Little Italy San Jose and adjacent Guadalupe Park. This is a wonderful location for a festival.

This year we will celebrate the addition of the Little Italy Arch. The Ground Breaking Ceremony is August 5th. This ceremony will be held in Little Italy SJ at W. Julian and North Almaden (Next to Paesano Ristorante and Bel Bacio Italian Cafe). We are partnering with the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce in breaking ground on the 31-foot Gateway Arch to anchor the developing Italian District in Downtown San Jose. This arch Is being made possible by many donations from local businesses. Read more: https://www.facebook.com/events/278945708955739/.

ITALIAN FAMILY FESTA SAN JOSE . Come shop with us at the Gioia Italian Art and Products Booth and enjoy the magnificent ceramics of Regine in Florence, Italy; Giacomo in Deruta, Italy; Romeo and Romolo in Vietri, Italy; Murano Glass and Pearls Jewelry in Venice, Italy; Flatware Lake in Garda, Italy; inlaid wood from Sorrento, Italy; Brigantino Olive Oil (my family) in San Benito County, CA; and much more at the Gioia Italian Art and Products Booth.

At the festival also enjoy winetasting in the Piazza Piccola area of Little Italy, San Jose and excellent Italian coffees in the Piazza by Bel Bacio Italian Café. Guglielmo Winery hosts a Grape Stomping Competition, the food provided by various local Italian organizations is awesome! The kids can play Bocce, watch the Marionettes, dance to ALFIO, and Bella Ciao while you check out the FIATs. There is great entertainment for everyone.

The Festival is hosted by The Italian American Heritage Foundation (IAHF) established in San Jose in 1976 and has been successfully gathering Italians and Lovers of Italian Culture for wonderful educational events like workshops, films, authors and historians, Italian language classes; and entertainment such as Opera Nights, Italian Night at the Giants. Great food is a large part of anything Italian, and the food served at IAHF events is prepared by local and native Italians from traditional recipes. They sponsor traditional Italian festivals throughout the year with the biggest being the Italian Family Festa in Guadalupe Park.

Mark your calendars and join us. Look for the Gioia Booth! For More Information: http://www.italianfamilyfestasj.org/

 

Calendar July and August
 

GIOIA ITALIAN ART AND PRODUCTS always opened by appointment in Los Gatos Call Kathy 408.640.6628 or Contact kathywinkelman@gioiacompany.com
And always at your disposal online at www.gioiacompany.com. 


August

Little Italy Arch Dedication
Date: August 5 (Tuesday)
Time:  10 a.m.
Location: Little Italy San Jose at W. Julian and North Almaden

San Jose Italian American Heritage Foundation
Date: August 23 and 24 (Saturday & Sunday)
Time:  11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday
Location: Guadalupe Park and Little Italy, San Jose
Visit the Gioia Booth for everything Italian, Ceramics, Flatware, Inlaid Wood from Sorrento, Venetian Masks, Italian Jewelry, Brigantino Olive Oil
Learn more by clicking here.

September

San Francisco Italian Athletic Club
Date: September 13 (Saturday)
Time:  See more information link.
Location: Stockton Street next to Washington Square Park
Click here for more information.

SFIAC is celebrating 97 years of festivals. Visit the Gioia Booth inside the club and enjoy authentic Italian artworks, jewelry, ceramics, masks, and Brigantino Olive Oil. The festival offers winetasting, videos of Italy, great food and great Italian entertainers such as the Ricco Dancers and Moreno Fruzzetti. For more information: http://www.sfiacfesta.com/

San Jose Little Italy San Jose Gala
Date: September 13 (Saturday)
Time:  5 to 11 p.m.
Location: Guadalupe Park and Little Italy, San Jose
More information here or here.
Get tickets here.

An incredible celebration including a silent and live auction to benefit Little Italy San Jose Museum and Cultural Center. Check out online to buy a commemorative brick for your family!

ANYTIME!

Showcasing our Boutique Galleries and Wineries . Please shop at our Affiliate Stores:

Bel Bacio Café Little Italy San Jose http://bel-bacio.com/

Discover San Jose Boutique http://discover-sanjose.com/

Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill http://www.guglielmowinery.com/

Sculpterra Winery in Paso Robles http://sculpterra.com/
 

TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES 2014!! Save the Dates!!

UMBRIA/TUSCANY-- Right on the border
Vacation at Le Selve, an Agriturismo!  Contact info@gioiacompany.com or 408.640.6628 for a special introduction to the owner. Sleeps six or 12. Two stories. Separate units. Beautiful view. Organic olive grove. Walking trails. Full kitchen. Swimming pool.


See you soon...