Last night, Newell and I had the extreme pleasure of attending the Sorrento Cheese Greater Buffalo Italian Heritage Festival’s VIP reception on Hertel Avenue. There was a full house with entertainment provided by Colleen Williams with Bobby Jones and Bobby Militello. But that was only the beginning…
Newell and I met up with a group of young people from our sister city, Torremaggiore, Italy, who participate in the ancient art of flag throwing. Flag throwing began in Italy and its surrounding areas during the Middle Ages (like early, larger ribbon-dancers). Nowadays, this colorful spectacle can be seen throughout the country prior to and during special feast days and events such as the famed Palio horse race of Siena.
The Italians gave us a nice interview–considering the language barrier–that Hutch Tech Italian professor and Italian Festival board member, Peter Lojocano, helped with greatly, as well as a short demonstration of flag-throwing. As you will see, they happily sang to us also.
They will perform at the Main Stage on Thursday July 12 at 7:00 PM and will be at the festival daily in the Piazza located outside the Ilio DiPaolo Italian Heritage Hall at Lunetta’s Restaurant.
Andare al festival!
Buffalo Rising
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