Blocks upon blocks of colorful stands, herds of people, loud music and the glorious scent of food, wafting above it all. This is Buffalo’s famed Sorrento Italian Heritage Festival.
Now that the gods have been returned to their rightful place, the festival will commence! For decades, the proud Italians who live in the North Buffalo area have worked hard to build and grow this bustling eating, drinking and partying event. Few other festivals in our area match it in size, offerings or attendance. There are rides and carnival games for the kids, entertainment in the form of live music, a bocce tournament, a singing contest (dubbed Italian Idol) and a Miss Italian Festival competition. Come dinnertime, beer tents, dancing under the stars and a few games of chance transform the event, making it feel less like a festival and more like a very large block party you’re just lucky to have been invited to.
We’ll be reporting from the festival a couple of times this week, so check back to hear about some of our favorites, and to share yours with us. While you’re there, you may want to consider catching one of the cooking demonstrations, arranged by Chef Marco Sciortino, owner of Marco’s on Niagara Street, and founder of Marco’s Italian Delis. Here’s the schedule:
Sorrento Italian Heritage Festival
Hertel Avenue
July 15th – 18th
Thursday, Friday & Saturday 11am – 11pm
Sunday 11am – 10pm