Whether you have Italian ancestry, you just love Italian food and culture, or you simply like bold colors, the 43rd West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival is a festival you don’t want to miss.
Italian culture has deeply influenced America, but you might not associate Italian culture with the Mountain State – that is, unless you live in Clarksburg. In the 1900s many workers in Italy found a home in West Virginia as an escape from conditions in their native country, such as working in the sulphur mines. Many found work in the prospering West Virginia coal industry as a good fit for their experiences, and built a life for themselves and their descendants here in Appalachia.
Everyone who likes pepperoni rolls is thankful these immigrants didn’t leave behind the foods and festivities of their motherland. The West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival was started in 1979 by Clarksburg community leaders and continues today to “honor the past, celebrate the present, and preserve the rich traditions for future generations.”
West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival / Facebook
So what to expect at this lively Labor Day weekend (September 3, 4, and 5, 2021) gathering that has been named a top 100 event in all of North America?
West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival / Facebook
People - Over 100,000 strong come out for this event on the streets of Clarksburg.
West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival / Facebook
Parade - The Grand Feature Parade will wind through Pike Street and 2nd Street.
West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival / Facebook
Dancing - Every day enjoy the colorful and lively dancing. Not just a spectator event, the entire street might break out in a dance to these cultural tunes.
West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival / Facebook
Food and Drink - This festival has what you hope from an Italian celebration. It starts off with a homemade wine and canned pepper competition during pre-festival activities. Then, during the festival, street vendors selling authentic Italian cuisine are plentiful.
West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival / Facebook
Entertainment - Free to the public, big name musicians such as the BeeGees or Broadway level acts set the main stage.
West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival / Facebook
Pageantry - There is a coronation of Regina (Queen) Maria and her entire court. There are also honors and awards to pay tribute to notable Americans.
West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival / Facebook
You will be hard pressed to find a more lively and vibrant event this year, so take the opportunity this Labor Day to head to Clarksburg for a taste of America, Italian style. Learn more at the festival’s website or Facebook page. And if this sounds like a festival right up your alley, you’ll also love the annual West Virginia Grape Stomp!
West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival / Facebook
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Address: The West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival, 340 W Main St, Clarksburg, WV 26301, USA
