Running from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, the event will feature live music and entertainment, delicious bites, cooking masterclasses and family-friendly activities.
John Caniglia, CEO and Secretary General of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Melbourne (ICCI Melbourne), confirmed that the ICCI, the Italian Consulate of Melbourne, the Italian Institute of Culture (IIC), CO.AS.IT and the Museo Italiano, Italian companies and Italo-Australian corporate partners are committed to the reactivation of Lygon Street, Carlton.
“The Segmento Melbourne Italian Festa aims to connect the traditions of the past, celebrate the contribution of the Italian and Italo-Australian community and look towards the future to ensure our history and heritage is acknowledged as a key component of multicultural Melbourne,” he said.
Caniglia added that the aim is to create a series of events throughout 2021 and beyond along Lygon Street and re-establish the area as the centre of Melbourne’s “Little Italy”.
“With wonderful support from the Victorian State Government, in particular the Minister for Multicultural Affairs The Hon. Ros Spence, and the City of Melbourne via Lord Mayor Sally Capp, all key stakeholders have committed to working together to establish a collaborative approach in order to increase foot traffic to the area and support the traders along Lygon Street,” he said.
“We have also had extremely positive discussions with many Lygon Street traders, who have offered their absolute support to regenerate the precinct.
“It is vital that as Italians and Italo-Australians, we ‘reclaim’ this area of Melbourne and promote the Made in Italy brand.
“We want to bring back authenticity and pride to the Italian community.”
On the day, Lygon Street will be closed to traffic between Queensberry and Grattan Streets, as well as the streets north and south of Argyle Place, to create a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.
An impressive lineup of performers will entertain festivalgoers from the stage in Piazza Italia, including Siesta Cartel, Santa Taranta, and comedians James Liotta and Piero Viavattene.
A key component of the festa will be the Italian Auto Icons car display featuring all the Italian car makers clubs of Victoria, while the Targa Florio Australian Tribute will also display 30 plus classic vehicles to celebrate la cursa, the world’s original and oldest motorsport event, which takes place every November.
Entry is free but visitors are asked to register on the website or using the QR code to avoid queues at the entrance.
