La Piazza Celebration of Italian Culture a Huge Santa Barbara Success

Viva Italia! The April Music & Food Festival on April 10-12th, at The Michael Towbes Library Plaza transformed our community Santa Barbara Library Plaza into a lively Italian Piazza for a fabulous premiere of what founder Jacopo Giapopuzzi and an army of Italy loving volunteers and sponsors hoped to become an ongoing celebration the Italian Music & Food Festival in Santa Barbara. 

The three-day 2026 food and music festival was enjoyed by the entire community with highlights to peak the interest of all ages and a focus on the best in Italian culture through music, food, film, and hands-on activities. The festival began with the movie Amore Italiano: Rome Cinema, and the Music of the Heart afternoon in the Faulkner Gallery, an inaugural performance that paired live classical music with curated projections from Iconic Italian films. Outstanding concert musicians including Jacopo Giaopuzzi and Alvise Pascucci, Camille Miller, and Tommaso Benciolini performed.

On Saturday attendees were treated to the La Piazza Market featuring Italian inspired foods, artisanal products, and regional specialties from local vendors. Also included was a cultural seminar hosted by UCSB scholars and chefs who explored Italian culinary traditions. The afternoon included a Recomposed Vivaldi, Verdi, and the Art of Reinvention concert in Faulkner Gallery featuring inventive interpretations of classical Italian works performed by Jessica Guideri, Jacopo Giacopuzzi, and Tommaso Benciolini.

On Sunday, the La Piazza Market was alive with activity including children learning the art of hands-on-pasta-making from Sergio Chierego, Chief Pasta Officer of newly opened Pasta Santina located in Carpinteria. The kids seemed to love handling the pasta almost as much as Sergio who said, “teaching the kids about pasts is the best part of my work.” Everyone gathered to watch the impressive Italian Fashion Show, where the Michael Towbes Plaza was turned into a runway with beautiful models proudly displaying some very chic Italian designer apparel for women. 

Throughout the festival visitors could be seen taking a chance on two tickets to the Santa Barbara Symphony for the upcoming “American in Paris” on April 18-19 and introductions to members of the symphony staff. Renato Moiso, creator of Via Maestra 42, and staff were bringing smiles with tempting gelato tastes. Booths featuring Pizza by Woodstock Farina and Hi-Fi Pizza, as well as bites from Cafe Ortega were a huge hit, while market products from Luretik Olive Oil, Pasta Santina, Colombini Bakery, Considered Coffee, Bindi Gelato and Buongusto Ice all attracted crowds. Barbieri Wines had a lovely display, and from April 6 through April 17 local Italian restaurants were offering specialty Italian dishes and wines to celebrate La Piazza including Via Maestra 42, Ca’ Dario, Olio E Limone, Arnoldi’s Cafe, and Aperitivo.

The grand finale was a lively closing Dolce Swing concert in Faulkner Gallery that included Claude Bolling Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio featuring Tommaso Beniciokini, flute and Antonio Artese, West Cost Trio: Antonio Artese, Piano, Luca Alemanno, Bass and Mark Ferber, Drums, followed by Mediterranean Groove featuring Antonio Artese/piano, Luca Alemanno, Bass and Mark Ferber, drum. 

Rooted in the belief that music builds community and transcends language, La Piazza truly offered a joyful, enriching way to gather, learn, and celebrate all things Italian together. People were enjoying delicious food, exceptional music, dancing in the plaza, beautiful fashion design, and overall it was a joyful weekend. I feel certain Santa Barbara residents will be looking forward to La Piazza 2027.

For additional information on the festival visit: http://www.lapiazza.life. Viva Italia!!