Palm Beach Gardens Lving - October 2026

O C T O B E R 2 0 2 6 | PA L M B E A C H G A R D E N S L I V I N G 15 T wenty-five years ago, what would become one of South Florida’s most beloved Italian American celebrations began simply—with two friends, a cup of coffee, and a shared belief that their heritage deserved to be celebrated. Jerry Somma and Bill Fagnano, both second-generation Italian Americans, grew up surrounded by family, food, music and the traditions of their ancestors. They loved the arts, theater, dance and festivals, but envisioned something more: an event centered on family, culture, connection and the unmistakable spirit of an Italian piazza. The first Galbani Feast of Little Italy was held in 2001 on a much smaller scale at CityPlace in West Palm Beach. The response was immediate. Families came. Friends gathered. The community embraced it. And the event grew. Eventually, the festival found its home in Abacoa in Jupiter—a setting surrounded by neighborhoods, families, and a community that has brought generations of families and friends together year after year. “We share old traditions, but we create new memories,” says Somma. That may be the simplest way to describe the magic of the Galbani Feast of Little Italy. WHERE MEMORIES ARE MADE At the heart of the festival is the joy of gathering. Somma often compares the Feast to the meets and greets in a piazza in Italy—where people stop, talk, share stories, catch up with friends, and simply enjoy being together. And after 25 years, it is the people who make the memories. There have been birthday celebrations, including a 100th birthday surrounded by family, along with engagements, reunions and countless family milestones. Families who first attended with young children now return with children of their own. “When people ask me what I love most about the Feast, it's seeing three generations of a family come together,” says Somma. “They eat, they laugh, they enjoy the music, and they spend time together. In today's busy and chaotic lifestyle, this is so important.” ACELEBRATIONOF ITALIAN AMERICANACCOMPLISHMENTS For 25 years, the Galbani Feast of Little Italy has also celebrated the accomplishments and contributions of Italian Americans through an extraordinary lineup of entertainment. The festival has welcomed acclaimed performers and actors including Frankie Avalon, Tommy Mara, Joe Piscopo, Bobby Rydell, Johnny Maestro, Gianni Russo, Eddie Mekka, Dominic Chianese, Sal Richards and Frank Stallone, along with a new generation of performers including Christian Guardino, Anthony Nunziata and Austin Giorgio. This year, Frank Stallone and his band will take the stage as part of the 25th Anniversary celebration. The festival has earned recognition of its own, including being named “Best Overall Italian Festival” by the National Association of Italian Festivals in 2011 and earning a place in the Guinness World Records in 2014 for creating the “World's Largest Cannoli.” This year, the Galbani Feast of Little Italy will showcase another attempt for another world record. A FEAST WITH A PURPOSE While the Galbani Feast of Little Italy celebrates culture, it also celebrates community. For more than 17 years, the festival has served as the birthplace and launch point for the Little Smiles Holiday Toy Drive , helping local children in need experience the joy of the holidays. Over the years, the Toy Drive has generated nearly $1 million in support and brought more than 400,000 toys to children throughout the local community. Festival attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to help kick off this year's holiday drive. The Galbani Feast of Little Italy also brings a significant economic impact to the Northern Palm Beaches, drawing residents and visitors from across Palm Beach County and beyond. 25 YEARS LATER, THE LEGACY CONTINUES After 25 years, the Galbani Feast of Little Italy is still doing what Jerry and Bill imagined over that first cup of coffee: Bringing a little bit of Italy— and a whole lot of heart—to South Florida. The community is invited to celebrate the 25th Anniversary Galbani Feast of Little Italy, November 6–8, 2026, in Abacoa, Jupiter. Admission is free. For more information, visit https://www.feastoflittleitaly.com/ Galbani Feast of Little Italy Celebrates 25 Years of Family, Heritage, and Community ROOTED IN TRADITION. HONORING OUR HERITAGE. UNITED BY CULTURE. - Submitted by Jennifer Sardone - - Photo provided by Feast of Little Italy - COMMUNITY