Posted on: August 16, 2011
The International Festivals of Portland
The last week of August brings two of the year's most delicious celebrations to Pioneer Courthouse Square
In Portland, festivals pack the calendar all year long, praising everything from beer and wine to art and music. But the last week of August brings two of the year's most delicious celebrations to Pioneer Courthouse Square.
Celebrating India's independence and rich culture, the India Festival (Aug. 21) features traditional dance and music alongside some of the area's best Indian cuisine. Sponsored by the India Cultural Association, the event continues to add more vendors and booths, attracting more than 8,000 attendees each year.
Celebrating its 20th year, Festa Italiana (Aug. 25-27) is one of the city's most popular cultural events, packing dozens of entertaining acts into three days of downtown revelry. From eight-piece bands to soloists, the free festival is filled with music, and mingling among those notes are the smells of great Italian dishes. Pasta, vino and, of course, gelato are big favorites.
Children's activities like marionette shows, pizza tosses and grape-stomping help make Festa Italiana exciting for all ages.