By Brianna Ciniglio
Columnist

South campus was full of the sights, sounds and smells of Italy on Sunday, Sept. 20 during Hofstra’s 23rd annual Italian Experience Festival.

The day was packed with events from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. The festivities began with a welcome from Josephine A. Maietta, the president of the Association of Italian American Educators, as well as from Professor Carlo Davoli, education office director at Consulate General of Italy in New York.

Throughout the day events such as a Popera performance by Bronx Opera Company, a comedic juggling act and a performance by Bobby Valli, the younger brother of Frankie Valli, of The Four Seasons.

The juggling act, performed by Jester Jim, seemed to be fun for audience members of all ages. His act included some beatboxing as well. Although the overall act had no direct correlation to Italian culture, it seemed like an enjoyable element within the mix of activities.

Bobby Valli drew in a large crowd when he performed a number of hits, including, of course, songs from The Four Seasons, as well as music by Frank Sinatra. He had a great voice, which audience members compared to the voice of his famous older brother, Frankie.

Although the events changed by the hour, a plethora of Italian food was available throughout the entire festival. You could appease your sweet tooth with gelato, zeppoles and other deep-fried desserts, or purchase common Italian entrees such as pasta, sausage and peppers or meatball heroes.

Wine was even sold at a booth called The Butterfly Bar. The food seemed never-ending, just as it would be in any Italian household.

Vendors lined the paths along the lawns in front of Bits and Bytes and beyond. They sold everything from Italian shoes to knock-off purses to espresso machines. You could even take a picture with a cardboard cutout of Pope Francis for a $1 donation.

Angelo Giudici and The San Remo Duo provided music – complete with Italian vocals and an accordion – from 12 to 4 p.m. in front of Bits and Bytes. They drew in a quaint crowd of older Italian couples, who danced along to Italian classics throughout the afternoon.

The group played a lot of traditional music, and even worked up the crowd enough for an Italian dance circle, which anyone who has been to a big Italian party would recognize. The music really set the tone for the entire event.

“I loved the music,” said Marialena Rago, a junior. “It felt festive and I really enjoyed watching the couples dance.”

The festival served to provide an Italian cultural experience for people of all ages and backgrounds.

“I liked that it was a cultural exchange,” said Hofstra junior, Gabrielle Wasserstein. “It was great that anyone [regardless of personal heritage] was able to experience it.”