Festa Italia celebration held in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Proud Italians from all across Western Massachusetts celebrated their heritage at the start of the weekend of Columbus.

Hundreds of people crowded into The Cedars in Springfield Saturday night for the Festa Italia celebration, where friends new and old showcased their culture and most treasured traditions.

The co-presidents of the Italian cultural center of Western Massachusetts told 22news about the night of food, family and fun.

“It’s a family event and this year we're fortunate to have 46 different restaurant purveyors, 4 wine purveyors and a dozen families who have provided us with their home cooked specialties, Lou Planzo told 22News.

“Springfield has always been a great base for the Italian American community but once again we're the Italian American cultural center of western Massachusetts. Folks here have come from Connecticut as far north as Vermont,” Joe Pasternak.

This is just one event the Italian cultural center celebrates during this Italian heritage month.

The cultural center offers cooking classes, and adult and children's language classes throughout the year.