The festival was established in the 1960s with the aim of promoting friendship and international understanding through cultural, educational and social events.

It once staged moving tribute to Italian prisoners of war from World War II, contributing to the strong ties between Italy and Australia.

This year, the ‘host’ country was Italy, which contributed to the event by organising a series of activities.

Led by president Leonardo D’Aquino and vice president Luciano Maucieri of The Campania Association of Canberra, a delegation went to Cowra in a symbolic gesture of remembrance and respect.

The group gathered at the solemn Italian Prisoners of War Monument, located in Cowra’s lovely Japanese Garden, to honour those who were captured from 1941 to 1945.

The Campania Association delegation, consisting of Joe and Angelina Pasquariello, Maurizio and Jolanda Giannasca, Joe, Angela and Filomena Capezio, along with Alex D’Ambrosio and Antonio Losanno, joined in remembrance.

Also there were Cowra locals, Australian and Italian military authorities and Paolo Crudele, the Italian Ambassador to Australia who was accompanied by his wife Sara Fernandez Carcedo.

The ceremony began with the laying of wreaths in a moving tribute to Cowra’s Italian prisoners of war.

The national anthems of Australia and Italy resounded in the background, adding gravity to the occasion.

The commemoration included touching speeches by local authorities and Ambassador Crudele, who reflected on the sacrifices and hardships endured by Italian soldiers.

Italy’s top diplomatic representative in Australia concluded by warmly thanking the Cowra authorities, the association and all participants for remembering this chapter in history.

The day continued with the symbolic planting of a cypress tree at Brougham Park, a living testimony to the friendship and brotherhood between Cowra and Italy.

The visit ended with a parade of Italian cars, from the classic Fiat 500 to a vintage Maserati that were joined by vehicles from the fire department and local police, all adorned with the Italian tricolour.

“I thank all the members who participated in this very important event with their presence,” concluded president of The Campania Association of Canberra, Leonardo D’Aquino.

“Our Cowra was a great success, reinforcing our commitment to participate and contribute to such significant and heartfelt events.”