If there’s one weekend when Bloomfield wears its rich Italian heritage proudly and loudly on its sleeve, it’s got to be Little Italy Days. And if it’s the last weekend in September, then it’s time for Little Italy Days, when more than 20,000 people congregate for the much-anticipated Italian heritage bash.

Complete with all the bocce, cannoli and Peroni you can possibly play, eat and drink, the lively three-day festival culminates with a spectacular and dazzling Madonna della Civita procession along Bloomfield’s Liberty Avenue commercial district.

The family-friendly celebration of Italian-American heritage and culture features live music, children’s activities, contests, dancing, and of course Bloomfield’s signature cornucopia of tasty food offerings.

Watch Karla discuss Little Italy Days on Comcast Newsmakers, or listen to her talk about this fall’s event on Positively Pittsburgh Live!

Organized by the Bloomfield Development Corporation, Little Italy Days finds Bloomfield’s streets animated with mouth watering delicacies, community bonding, Old World charm, and the city’s distinctive Italian-American spirit. Peruse festive red and white striped tents, where local vendors sell everything from pasta and pastries to Italian pottery and Princess t-shirts.

Free Parking! Free Admission! Everyone Welcome!

The festival’s popular bocce ball court and lulling accordion accompaniment will transport you straight to the Old Country, for at least one brief weekend. Featured music includes everything from modern rock, jazz and live Radio Italia broadcasts, to sounds and styles that recall the heyday of Sinatra, Sammy, Dino and Darrin. Enjoy traditional Italian music, check out local cabaret acts, and dance the night away in one of the city’s most eclectic neighborhoods.

The centerpiece of all of the Italian-style merry making is marked by the procession of a stunning life-size statue of Madonna della Civita and Jesus — complete with golden crowns and a brightly painted cart — on the Sunday of the festival. The spirited parade begins at Immaculate Conception Church on Friendship Avenue, and winds through the neighborhood to culminate at Saint Joseph Church, an anchor in the community along Liberty Avenue. During the dazzling display, parishioners even show their devotion by attaching money to the carried statues.

Now in its tenth year, “Little Italy Days” has become a can’t miss event for the city and entire tri-state region. The much-lauded festival, which received first place in the 2008 statewide “Townie Awards” for best Special Event, was also recognized as the “Best Special Event” by Mainstreets Pittsburgh in 2004.

Little Italy Day’s 2011 installment features free activities and entertainment for young and old revelers alike, including 10 entertainment acts, strolling musicians, a bocce tournament, and an Italian Mass.

For event-goers traveling to Bloomfield, Little Italy Days features free parking in all metered spaces and metered lots in Bloomfield throughout the weekend.