Bocce ball, cannoli and Vespas

Like shaved chocolate sprinkled over tiramisu or the crema atop a cup of gourmet espresso, all the finest aspects of Italian culture will be yours for the sampling at the 18th annual Festa Italiana. Short of erecting coliseums and canals on Auburn Boulevard, the Italian Cultural Society has done everything possible to provide Sacramentans with a total Italian experience. Play bocce ball. Check out Vespas, Fiats and Italian motorcycles. Taste Italian food from ravioli to cannoli. Learn recipes and cooking tips from expert Italian chefs. Shop for Italian crafts. You can even enter a raffle to win a trip for two to Italy! Children and adults will perform traditional Italian dances. Young women will compete for the title of Festa Queen. Italian vocalist Moreno Fruzzetti will play nightly, and on Saturday night, the Expresso 5 will provide the music for a romantic dance under the stars. Through it all, the sounds of accordion music and the smell of garlic and basil will fill the air.

Your journey to Italy is scheduled for Saturday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Your ticket is $8 (free for children 15 and under), and no passport is necessary. This weekend, Italy is located outside the Croatian-American Cultural Center, 3730 Auburn Boulevard. Call (916) 482-5900 for more information.