A rush of Italian culture, aromas, music and traditions will soon overtake the country’s oldest outdoor market. That’s right: South Philly’s 9th Street Italian Market Festival — a two-day, eight-block enduring celebration — will take place on May 18 and 19 from Fitzwater to Wharton Streets.

Tens of thousands of people will flood the historic corridor to soak in the atmosphere and festivities, and feast on Italian pizzas, cheeses, pastas and desserts served up by local restaurants, vendors and butcher shops.