La Festa della Donna – Italian Women’s Day Celebration
Join us on the South Shore for a special evening celebrating La Festa della Donna, Italy’s cherished tradition honoring International Women’s Day. Hosted by the Italian American Cultural Organization (IACO), this unique cultural event brings the spirit of Italy to Massachusetts with an unforgettable night of food, tradition, and community.
Held at Maria’s Trattoria in Randolph, this event offers guests an authentic Italian dining experience paired with meaningful cultural storytelling. Whether you are Italian, Italian-American, or simply appreciate Italian culture, this is an evening designed to connect, celebrate, and enjoy.
The Meaning Behind La Festa della Donna
In Italy, March 8th is more than just a date—it is a celebration of women’s achievements, resilience, and community. One of the most recognizable traditions is the giving of the yellow mimosa flower, chosen in 1946 as a symbol of strength and solidarity among women following World War II.
During the evening, you’ll learn the history and significance of this beautiful Italian tradition and how it continues to be celebrated across Italy today.
An Authentic Italian Dining Experience
Enjoy a carefully prepared Italian dinner in a warm, welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of Italy’s rich culinary heritage. The evening is designed to be both social and enriching—perfect for couples, friends, and anyone who enjoys great food and conversation.
Your evening includes:
Full Italian dinner
Wine and refreshments
Cultural presentation on Festa della Donna
A relaxed, social atmosphere with the South Shore community
A Signature Italian Cultural Event Near Boston
This is more than a dinner—it’s one of the most distinctive Italian cultural events in Massachusetts. Conveniently located in Randolph, just minutes from Boston and surrounding South Shore communities, this event brings people together to celebrate heritage, tradition, and community.
If you’re looking for meaningful things to do in the Boston area or South Shore, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Reserve Your Seat
This popular annual event has limited seating and is expected to sell out.
Reserve your seat today and be part of this special Italian celebration.
6:30 pm (Doors open at 6:00)
7:00 pm brief intro and a video of Teresa Noce, Teresa Mattei and Rita Montagnana
Dinner will consist of salad, pasta, Eggplant Parmesan, Chicken Marsala, Sausage and Peppers, bread, coffee and dessert Torta Mimosa
Members $40 | Guest $50
All paid programs must be in advance
Ticket deadline extended to March 7th
Reserve your ticket(s) and then proceed to the cart to complete your purchase.
Member Tickets $40
Members save $10 on this event
Guest Tickets $50
The History of La Festa della Donna
The 8th of March is International Women’s Day, known in Italy as La Festa della Donna. It began as a day of memory and protest of the tragic event in New York on March 8th, 1908 when the owner of a textile factory — where all the workers were women — blocked all of the exits to the factory and set the building on fire after the workers went on strike to protest the substandard conditions in which they were forced to work. The 129 factory workers trapped inside, for the most part Italian immigrants, all died.
In Italy, La Festa della Donna was first celebrated in 1922. However, it was only after the end of World War II that it truly became an important holiday. The Union of Italian Women declared that this special date, the 8th of March, should be set aside to celebrate womanhood across the country as women could finally vote and have a political career for the first time in the history of Italy.
Mimosa Blossoms
La Festa della Donna tends to be symbolic, even reminiscent of Mother’s Day as women across the country are gifted yellow mimosa blossoms to recognize women’s economic, political, and social achievements over the last century. Mimosas symbolize female solidarity. They were popularized by Teresa Mattei, who at one point was the national director of the Italian Women Union. Mimosas were chosen to ensure they were accessible to all, even those in more rural and impoverished areas. Originally, it was only men who gave mimosa blossoms, but now women give them to each other as well.
Things to Do on the South Shore
If you're looking for things to do in Braintree or on the South Shore of Boston, the Italian American Cultural Organization hosts regular events including cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, cultural programs, and social gatherings.