From May 20 to 26, the community of Northcote will celebrate the Festa di Santa Giovanna, organised by Joanie’s Baretto and Umberto Espresso Bar in collaboration with other local businesses, including the Thornbury Picture House, the Thornbury Theatre and Free to Feed.
The week-long event is dedicated to Santa Giovanna, who is close to the heart of Joanie’s Baretto owner, Marco Finanzio.
“It is related to my father’s original place, Reggio Calabria,” he said.
“My desire is to create a community place of getting people together and enjoying the company of each other as well as enjoying the food and wine.”
Now in its second year, the festival comprises five events.
On Monday, May 20, the Thornbury Theatre will host the Northside Charity Ball, a celebration of good food, booze, music and community for a good cause: raising money for Free to Feed.
Free to Feed is a local non-profit organisation which assists people seeking asylum to find meaningful employment opportunities using their existing skills and experiences and facilitate community interconnectivity and break the stifling sense of social isolation often faced by these new arrivals.
On Tuesday, May 21, the Thornbury Theatre House will take guests back to the 1950s for a special screening of the modern classic, Big Night, written by and starring Stanley Tucci.
On Wednesday, May 22, you can be captivated by real-life stories from the heart at the free event, Stories from a Suitcase, showcasing local writers.
On Saturday, May 25, festivalgoers will pay homage to Santa Giovanna at the Big Dance, with live music from the band Bella Ciao.
The event will come to an end on Sunday, May 26, with the Sagra della Salsiccia and a procession on High Street at noon.
“We will honour Santa Giovanna,” Finanzio concluded.
“This festival wants to remind everyone that we belong to a community and for this we will have to celebrate our origins.
“I have been to Italy several times and it struck me how, during the popular festivals, people of all ages come together and spend time together ... I hope to be able to recreate a similar experience here in Melbourne.”
For more information, visit the Joanie’s Baretto website.
