City Times

Issue date: 10/31/06 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: Chris Rice An artist looks at his finished work during Precious Festa! in Little Italy.

Media Credit: Chris Rice An artist works on a street painting during Precious Festa! in Little Italy. The festival draws crowds for a sample of culture in the downtown San Diego neighborhood.

By CHRIS RICE
City Times

A festive celebration of all things Italian, San Diego hosted the 12th annual Precious Festa! the weekend of Oct. 7 and 8 in Little Italy.

Basking in the afterglow of recent national recognition for its festivities, Little Italy served up a weekend of entertainment enjoyed by all.

On hand this year were vendors selling a variety of Italian arts and crafts, cheese, and clothing. An Italian motor sports show displayed popular car models such as Lamborghini, Alpha Romeo, and Ducati motorbikes. For entertainment, three stages held musicians playing regional Italian music, folk, jazz, accordion, and Flemenco all day Sunday.

Besides the beer and wine gardens, another favorite of the Precious Festa! is the Corso degli Artisti, Little Italy's street painting festival. Originating in Europe in the 16th century, this art form has only gained popularity in the U.S. in the last 20 years. Just a short stroll down India St. amongst the vendors and wafting smells of sausages is all that's required to view the artists working to complete their temporary masterpieces.

With each passing festival gaining in popularity and nation wide notoriety, celebrations in this section of town are worth marking the calendar for.

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