Little Italy’s Biggest Party, Ferragosto, Holds Final Event After A Decade With “Pirates Invade Sicily” Theme

The largest themed Italian-American gala in the country, Ferragosto, returns for its final year with the theme, “Pirates Invade Sicily”.

End of an Era

After a decade of bringing the community together to raise money for historical preservation, youth programs and school scholarships, Little Italy’s biggest party, Ferragosto, will go out in style with even more themed surprises in traditional Ferragosto event fashion.

Attendees can expect plenty of food, well poured drinks, pirate-themed pageantry, a cigar and rum lounge, live music, a full casino and more!

“Ferragosto is bigger than just a fun-filled themed party. It’s about bringing the community together to celebrate our cultural identity and the progressive and innovative work being done in San Diego’s Little Italy to make it one of the top Little Italys in the country. Good things happen when people collectively come together, and our neighborhood’s success has a lot to do with just that,” said Luke Vinci, Ferragosto’s chairman.

“We’re also looking forward to supporting the church and our public neighborhood school—two important pillars in our community. Get ready to come out, be surprised by pirate theatrics and have a good time, while supporting great causes!”

This year’s Ferragosto’s Pirates Invade Sicily will be the biggest neighborhood bash yet featuring a casino with fun games, dancing, two live bands, amazing food from 18 of Little Italy’s favorite restaurants—including hors d’oeuvres, main dishes, drinks, cocktails and desserts, and a shipload of fun with multiple immersive surprises!

Ferragosto also features a live auction and raffle prizes like a trip to Italy, a cash jackpot and more.

History and Impact

San Diego’s Little Italy’s Ferragosto is its own take on the traditional summer Italian holiday “Feriae Augusti.” The fundraising event was created in 2008, with its first event being held in 2010. Ferragosto’s Pirates Invade Sicily will be the sixth and final event in the series.

Over the last ten years, Ferragosto raised $2 million for the three non-profit groups, Washington Elementary School Foundation, Our Lady of the Rosary Church and the Little Italy Association.

Other themed Ferragosto events have included “When in Rome,” “Venetian Masquerade,” “The Roaring 20s,” “Pompeii,” and “Wild, Wild, Western.”

Attendees can come as they are—dressed in cocktail or summer attire. Those that are out for a real good time will come in costume and themed apparel. It’s one of the unique elements of Ferragosto—a gala you don’t have to dress up for!

See you there!