The 2015 Italian Festival

(From left) Zoe Munoz, Skarleth Velasquez, Vilma Matzar and Hannah Henry, helping the children color at the ICC booth. 

The Italian Club at Bellaire High School started off its year by attending and volunteering at the 37th annual Italian Festival, hosted by ICC (Italian Culture and Community Center) at the University of St. Thomas. The festival not only celebrates the culture and language of Italy, but also boasts a variety of small vendors that sell authentic Italian goods. The vendors’ wares ranged from jewelry to organic oils, and even beautiful handmade clothes. 

Zoe Munoz and Hannah Henry try Sfingi (Italian Donuts). 

The festival ran from Thursday, Oct. 8 through Sunday, Oct. 11. The members of the Italian Club were able to volunteer on the majority of those days.

Jessica Ortega, a senior from the Bellaire Italian Club, volunteered at the ICC booth during a shift Saturday evening. She said she helped children color the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It was her second year attending and she estimated that there were more people than the previous year. She also felt that she was able to communicate more in Italian than the previous year.

Hannah Henry and Daniel Ramirez work to make a mosaic to display to the children. 

“I was able to practice the language with some of the children and with the volunteers from ICCC,” said Jessica.  

I also got the opportunity to volunteer at the festival that Friday.  The weather was great, and the night ended with some classic disco music.

Zoe Munoz, Hannah Henry, Daniel Ramirez, Vilma Matzar, and Xochitl Reyes ending their shift on Friday night. 

The best part of our night? Filling ourselves with cups of creamy, delicious Italian gelato. I look forward to attending the festival next year as well – and of course, trying even more of the vast array of gelato flavors!