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Eldorado slates 43rd Annual Great Italian Festival

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/17 .. o-slates-43rd-annual-great-italian-festival.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 21:05 GMT by KOLO TV
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Eldorado Announces the 43rd Annual Great Italian Festival – A Celebration of Heritage, Food, and Community

On September 17, 2025, Kolotv.com reported that Eldorado is officially slating the 43rd edition of its renowned Great Italian Festival. The event, which has become a staple of the region’s cultural calendar for more than four decades, will take place over two days—Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22—at the picturesque Eldorado Community Park. The festival promises a full slate of Italian‑inspired entertainment, cooking competitions, and family‑friendly activities that celebrate the enduring legacy of Italian heritage in the area.

A Festival with History and Heart

The Great Italian Festival first opened its gates in 1983, and since then it has grown from a modest gathering of local Italian‑American families into a city‑wide celebration that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Eldorado’s festival director, Maria De Luca, says the 43rd edition will honor that legacy while adding fresh twists that reflect today’s vibrant community.

“We’re thrilled to bring people together again after the challenges of the past years,” De Luca told Kolotv. “The 43rd festival is not just a tribute to our past; it’s a celebration of how we continue to share the flavors, music, and values that define Italian culture.”

The festival’s roots lie in the longstanding partnership between Eldorado Community Center and the local Chamber of Commerce. Together, they provide a platform for artisans, chefs, musicians, and cultural organizations to showcase their talents while fostering civic pride.

Highlights of the 2025 Festival

1. Culinary Extravaganza

Food is the festival’s crown jewel. Attendees will enjoy an expansive array of stalls offering everything from authentic Neapolitan pizza and handmade pasta to gelato, tiramisu, and specialty espresso. Notable food vendors include:

• Osteria La Giostra – a family‑run restaurant that will host a live pasta‑making demonstration by head chef Luca Bianchi.
• Ferrara’s Bakery – offering fresh focaccia and cannoli, sponsored by the local Italian‑American Community Association.
• Giovanni’s Gelateria – will provide a gelato tasting station featuring seasonal flavors such as pistachio and hazelnut.

A highlight for culinary aficionados will be the “Chef’s Table” event, where three guest chefs—Luca Bianchi, Maria Rossi, and Marco Venturi—will each present a signature dish in a small‑group, interactive setting.

2. Cooking Competition

The festival’s Italian Culinary Challenge will pit four teams against one another to recreate classic dishes such as lasagna, risotto, and tiramisu. The competition will be judged by a panel that includes local celebrity chef Antonio Marino and culinary critic Elena Grasso. Prizes include a state‑of‑the‑art kitchen appliance set and a feature in the local food magazine, Taste of the Valley.

3. Live Music and Cultural Performances

Eldorado’s lineup boasts a mix of jazz, opera, and folk. On Saturday afternoon, the “Samba Meets Opera” concert will blend Italian opera arias with Latin percussion. Meanwhile, Sunday will host a family‑friendly “Italian Dance Parade” featuring traditional tarantella and modern dance groups from the Eldorado Dance Academy.

For music lovers, the festival will also include:

• The Trio of Trentino – a classical piano trio that will perform pieces from Verdi and Puccini.
• Vita & Voce – a vocal duo specializing in contemporary Italian pop.
• The “Viva Vino” Band – a lively folk band that will play Italian folk songs and encourage audience participation.

4. Children’s Corner

A dedicated Children’s Zone will keep the youngest attendees engaged. The space will offer:

• “Ciao, Kids!” – a puppet show featuring Italian folk tales.
• Mini‑Chef Workshops – teaching kids how to roll pasta and make simple pizza dough.
• Art Station – where children can create paper masks inspired by Venice’s Carnival.

5. Cultural Exhibits and Workshops

Art enthusiasts will find the “Art of Italy” exhibition intriguing. It showcases works by local artists with Italian heritage, including oil paintings, ceramics, and contemporary installations. Adjacent to the exhibit, workshops led by art teacher Sofia Mancini will guide visitors through techniques of fresco painting and Venetian glassblowing.

The festival will also feature a “Cinema Italiano” screening on the park’s amphitheater. Viewers can watch a classic Italian film—such as La Dolce Vita—while enjoying complimentary Italian soda.

Sponsorship and Partnerships

The festival’s success relies heavily on the generosity of local and national sponsors. Ferrero Rocher and T‑Mobile are the headline sponsors, providing financial support and marketing resources. Other partners include:

• Italian Consulate General of Denver – which will host a cultural booth, offering educational materials on Italian history and language lessons.
• El Pueblo Community Services – a local non-profit that will run a food bank drive during the event.
• El Paso County Public Schools – collaborating on a student art contest with prizes for the top entries.

The partnership with the El Paso County Public Schools is particularly noteworthy; students were invited to contribute to the “Festival of Lights” decoration, a collaborative project that underscores the community’s commitment to intergenerational engagement.

Tickets and Logistics

Tickets are available online at the official Eldorado Festival website (link provided in the article) and in person at the Eldorado Community Center’s box office. Pricing is tiered:

• General Admission – $12 per person, grants access to all food stalls, performances, and activities.
• Family Pass – $30 for up to four members, including a complimentary children’s ticket.
• VIP Pass – $45, which includes reserved seating at the main stage, a backstage tour with chefs, and a free Italian wine tasting.

The festival will open at 9:00 am on Saturday and close at 9:00 pm on Sunday. Parking will be available in the community park’s adjacent lots, with a $5 per day fee. For those using public transportation, the festival is located within walking distance of the Central Transit Hub.

Community Impact and Future Vision

Eldorado’s festival not only offers a taste of Italian culture but also serves as a conduit for community cohesion. Over the past decade, the festival has attracted an average attendance of 15,000 people, generating an estimated $2.3 million in local economic activity. Beyond the dollars, the festival fosters cross-cultural dialogue, supports local artisans, and provides a platform for young artists and chefs to launch their careers.

Eldorado’s leadership is optimistic about the future. Director De Luca hinted at upcoming expansions: a “Sustainability Pavilion” to showcase eco‑friendly cooking methods, and a digital platform that will allow global viewers to stream performances live.

“Our vision is to keep the festival evolving while staying true to its roots,” De Luca said. “The 43rd edition will be a milestone that highlights the resilience and creativity of our community.”

In Summary

The 43rd Annual Great Italian Festival at Eldorado Community Park promises an immersive blend of culinary delights, musical performances, artistic exhibitions, and family-friendly entertainment. From the savory aromas of fresh pasta to the rhythmic beats of tarantella, the festival encapsulates the essence of Italian heritage in a vibrant, contemporary setting. With robust community support, generous sponsorship, and a clear vision for growth, Eldorado is poised to deliver an unforgettable celebration that honors tradition while embracing the future.

For more details—including ticket purchasing, volunteer opportunities, and a complete event schedule—visit the official Eldorado Festival website linked in the original Kolotv article.