SAN DIEGO — October is Italian Heritage Month and the streets of Little Italy will soon come alive with Italian culture.
In this Zevely Zone, I preview the Bella Vita Fest which takes place on October 19 and 20. The second annual festival features chalk art, Italian wine, food and music. More than 30 expert chalk artists, depicting Italian themes, will line the streets of Little Italy.
"I've been an artist since I was a kid," said Cecelia Linayao.
The professional chalk artist gets asked the same question all the time.
"Why are you doing that? It's temporary, it's hard work, and you are doing it for free so why would you do that? Because art is beautiful," said Cecelia.
Festival goers can enjoy live Italian music, Italian wine tasting, Italian merchants and Italian food for purchase. Plus, more than 20 Italian winemakers from 10-plus regions of Italy will be offering tastings, via Vicolo del Vino.
"It's amazing what these artists can do on the street," said Curt Brooker from ArtWalk San Diego.
He says chalk artists have a colorful way of making you feel as if you've taken a European getaway.
"Bella Vita Fest has been on the drawing table for a long time, and last year's inaugural event was very well received – San Diegans love to experience chalk art being made – plus, all the Italian wine, music and food…you feel like you're in Italy!" said Curt.
"The festival is a unique experience for attendees to view more than 30 chalk art paintings being created live before your eyes on the pavement, all while treating yourself to a wide array of authentic Italian wines and food and listening to live music with an Italian flair. It's a great weekend in San Diego's Little Italy!"
On Sunday night, following the festival the sidewalks get power washed.
"The first time I saw my art being washed I cried, I thought this is unfair," said Cecelia who now sees the beauty of walking away. "There is enough ugly in the world any chance you have to create beauty and connection you should take it."
Bella Vita Fest is Cecelia's way of bringing Italy to you and for a brief moment in time.
"I am in the zone, you're in the zone and that's true connection," she said.
The festival is free to attend and live chalk art is free to view; entrance at 550 W. Date Street, with a separate wine tasting ticket. Tickets – now on sale at www.bellavitafest.com – are $25 for 5 tastes and $55 for 12 tastes. An early bird discount is available until Friday, Sept. 20, where 5 tastes are $20 and 12 tastes are $45. The event will run from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. For more information on Bella Vita Fest, please visit www.bellavitafest.com.