Norton Street once again transformed into a long runway of Italian pride as thousands gathered to celebrate the new edition of the Norton Street Italian Festa, a flagship event for Sydney’s Italian community.

First held in 1986, the Festa was founded by the Capuchin friars of St Fiacre’s Parish, who wanted to recreate in Australia the spirit of traditional Italian religious festivals. Since then, it has grown into one of the largest street festivals in the country, attracting locals, tourists and visitors from all backgrounds.

From early morning until late afternoon, Norton Street was closed to traffic as thousands of people filled the food stalls, tasting regional dishes, traditional sweets and artisanal gelato amid live music, folk songs and a truly Mediterranean atmosphere.

Many local restaurateurs spoke of “a return of the old enthusiasm”, proof that the Festa remains a highly anticipated event.

On the culinary stage, renowned Italian chefs took turns showcasing their skills to the crowd. The warmest applause came during the preparation of fresh homemade pasta in a timeless symbol of tradition passed down with pride.

The Auto Festa, featuring classic Italian cars and motorcycles, from the iconic Vespa to the Fiat 500 and Alfa Romeo, was another crowd favourite.

Meanwhile, the main stage came alive with local bands and Italian-Australian artists performing a mix of classic and contemporary hits. Spontaneous choirs broke into Scende la pioggia by Gianni Morandi.

Then, when the rain actually began to fall over Norton Street, it didn’t stop the crowd as everyone kept celebrating with a glass of wine, a limoncello, a slice of pizza and a cold Peroni.

Supported by the Inner West Council and partners such as Co.As.It., the event reaffirmed the importance of preserving and sharing Italian traditions within Australia’s multicultural fabric.

“We are very close to Italy, even if geographically distant,” said Gianluca Rubagotti, Consul General of Italy, highlighting the Festa as a symbolic bridge between two sides of the world.

In his speech, Senator Francesco Giacobbe noted that “living the Italian way has now become part of the Australian lifestyle”, underscoring the deep influence of Italian culture on everyday life in the city.

“The Festa has grown to welcome more than 180,000 people each year, who come to experience the warmth and energy of Italian culture,” added Lorenzo Fazzini, President of Co.As.It., emphasising the continuing success and evolution of the event.

Strolling among the aromas and the cheerful buzz of the crowd, one could feel both pride and nostalgia – the emotions of a community that keeps reinventing itself without forgetting its roots.

For one day, Leichhardt once again became everyone’s piazza – a place of connection, memory and joy.