Little Italy, San Diego facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Little Italy, San Diego
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| Little Italy | |
The Little Italy sign
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 Little Italy, San Diego
Location in San Diego
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| Country |  United States of America |
| State |  California |
| County |  San Diego |
| City |  San Diego |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.48 km2 (0.187 sq mi) |
| • Land | 0.48 km2 (0.187 sq mi) |
| Population
(2015)
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| • Total | 5,000 |
| • Density | 10,324/km2 (26,738/sq mi) |
| ZIP Code |
92101
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| Area code(s) | 619 |
| Website | littleitalysd.com |
Little Italy is a lively neighborhood in downtown San Diego, California. Long ago, it was home to many Italian and Portuguese fishing families. Today, you'll find lots of Italian restaurants, shops, art galleries, and homes here.
It's a busy place with many fun festivals and events. There's even a weekly farmers market called the Mercato, which means 'The Market' in Italian. The Little Italy Neighborhood Association helps keep the area clean and organizes special events.
Contents
Where is Little Italy Located?
Little Italy is in the northwest part of downtown San Diego. It's just a few blocks from the waterfront, called the Embarcadero. The neighborhood sits on a hill, so it gets higher as you go towards Interstate 5.
The area is bordered by West Laurel Street to the north and West Ash Street to the south. To the east are Interstate 5 and Front Street. To the west are San Diego Bay and Pacific Highway.
India Street is the main road, full of shops and restaurants. You can also see modern buildings and older, historic homes. It's a great place to walk around.
History of the Tuna Industry
From the 1800s to the 1970s, many Italian-Americans and Portuguese-Americans worked in the tuna industry here. They built fishing boats and ran canneries. San Diego was known as the "tuna capital" of the West Coast.
The first big tuna cannery opened in 1911. By the mid-1930s, over 1,000 people worked in these canneries. But by the early 1980s, the last canneries closed due to rising costs and competition.
Many fishermen from the Azores (islands of Portugal) and Italy worked in this industry. Their influence is still seen in neighborhoods like Little Italy and Point Loma. After the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, many Italian fishermen moved to San Diego.
Modern Development in Little Italy
Little Italy is always growing and changing. Many new buildings are being built or planned. The northern part of Little Italy has fewer tall buildings than the southern part.
Some old buildings have been updated for new uses. New buildings are designed to match the feel of the original neighborhood. India Street, the main street, has public art, open spaces, and many restaurants with outdoor seating.
Community Groups and Culture
The Little Italy Association (LIA) helps improve the neighborhood. It's a non-profit group started in 1996. They work to make Little Italy a beautiful and lively place for everyone.
The Italian Cultural Center of San Diego is also in this neighborhood. It's a group with 600 members who love Italian culture and language. They offer Italian language classes and host many cultural events. These events include workshops, talks, and classes all year round.
The Convivio Center & Little Italy Heritage Museum is a newer spot. It's a place for arts, culture, and learning about Italian heritage in San Diego. It offers programs and events for the community.
Fun Annual Events
Most events in Little Italy celebrate Italian culture. They usually happen on or near India Street.
- Little Italy Mercato: Every Saturday morning, there's a farmers market on W. Cedar Street. You can find fresh fish, local fruits and vegetables, baked goods, flowers, and art. There's also a smaller market on Wednesdays on W. Date Street.
- Little Italy Carnevale: The Saturday before Mardi Gras, this event features Venetian masks and entertainment. Shops and restaurants often have open houses.
- ArtWalk: In April, this is one of the biggest art events on the West Coast. Over 120,000 people come to see and buy paintings, photos, jewelry, and more.
- Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego: Also in April, over 3,000 bike riders take part in a long bike ride. They ride 32, 53, or 100 miles through San Diego, starting under the Little Italy sign.
- Sicilian Festival: In May, the Sicilian American community celebrates their culture. This festival started in 1993. It has Italian and Sicilian music, food, and displays about the contributions of Italians in San Diego.
- Taste of Little Italy: Held in May and November, this event lets you try food from over 20 restaurants. You pay to sample different dishes, and the money helps the Little Italy Association.
- Labor Day Stickball Tournament: In September, stickball teams play on the streets of Little Italy. This game is like baseball but with some changes. Every three years, San Diego hosts a special tournament with teams from New York and Puerto Rico.
- Little Italy Festa: In October, this is one of the largest Italian festivals outside of New York City. It has over 150 food and craft booths, three stages for entertainment, a street painting festival, and a bocce ball tournament.
- Bulls of St. Agata Charge Little Italy: Also in October, this event shows off over 50 Lamborghini cars from all over the United States.
- Little Italy Christmas Village and Tree Lighting: In December, Santa Claus arrives on a fire engine to start the holiday fun. There's music, shopping, and even fake snow for kids.
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See also
In Spanish: Little Italy (San Diego) para niños
