Little Italy to host Bella Vita Fest – ‘chalk’ full o’ fun

To celebrate Italian Heritage Month, Little Italy will host the Bella Vita Fest this weekend — featuring more than 40 chalk artists. 

The event, which begins a two-day run in the downtown neighborhood Saturday, will showcase chalk art depicting Italian themes.

Visitors can expect live Italian music, La Cucina Galbani Cooking Stage, Italian merchants and Italian food for purchase. Winemakers will offer tastings of more than 10 different wines sourced from different regions in Italy. 

“Bella Vita Fest has been on the drawing table for a long time – San Diegans love to experience chalk art being made, plus all the Italian wine, cooking demonstrations, music and food … you feel like you’re in Italy,” said Curt Brooker, director of the event. “The festival is a unique experience for attendees.”

Organizers said traditional street painting dates back to 16th century Italy when traveling artists were sent to work on cathedrals. Once the work was done, they would often recreate the paintings of “Madonna” on the pavement. Today, Italian heritage continues to be celebrated through street art. 

Bella Vita is organized by the ArtWalk San Diego team, which also produces the Mission Federal ArtWalk, ArtWalk Liberty Station and Artwalk Carlsbad.