Lombardy in northern Italy was so named after the region where the Lombards first settled after their invasion in 568.  It is from this culturally rich region that the surname Festa originates.  Southern Italy at this time was occupied by the Byzantines.  The Lombards have often been compared to the Goths, and their name may be derived from “Longobardi” which translates as “long beards.”  They successfully integrated themselves into Roman civilization by adopting Roman language and culture.  As a result of their complete integration, very little remains today of the ancient Lombardic culture. 

        Italy was invaded by the Franks in 754 and 756 and was subjected to the rule of the Frankish King Pepin.  Later, Charlemagne invaded Italy and in 774 Pavia, the most prominent cities in Lombardy surrendered to his armies and Charlemagne became king of the Lombards and Franks.  It was in this region we first record the name Festa found in Trento, Latin, Tridentum, Ger. Trent or Trient, picturesque capital of the province of Venezia Tridendtina in Italy.  It is a walled city.  The cathedral was built in the 11th century and was dedicated to the first Bishop San Vigilio.  Castello del Buon Consiglio was the residence of the Prince/Bishops for centuries.  It had been ruled by the Ostrgoths (5th century), Lombards (6th), Franks (8th), Italy (9th), Germany, Austria, Napoleon, and finally back to Italy from Austria in 1918.  In those ancient times only persons of rank, the podesta, clergy, city officials, army officers, artists, and landowners were entered into the records.  To be recorded at this time, at the beginning of recorded history, was of itself a great distinction and indicative of noble ancestry.

        Variations in surname occur because spelling changes in written transcriptions and because of differences in local dialect.  Although many Italian surnames can have many forms, including Festa, also included in the same linage was Festi, Festa, and others.