This year’s Carlton Italian Festa will unfold on Sunday, October 22, along the strip that has for decades been known as “Little Italy”, Lygon Street.

Supporting the event are institutions such as the City of Melbourne, the State of Victoria and the Victoria Multicultural Commission, which underline the importance of the Italian community’s presence over the years.

The festival’s director for six consecutive years, Eddie Rinaldo, jokes that “this annual event takes a year to prepare”, given its prestigious status within the community.

On the day, artists will take to the stage to celebrate Italian music, while also paying homage to the cultural exchange which has occurred over the past 60 years, going back to when the first Italians arrived in Australia.

An array of Italo-Australian performers will showcase their work, from women’s choir La Voce Della Luna, to Vocal Arts Studio, Viva Italia Show, MUSA, Santa Taranta, La Rustica Project, Alfredo Malabello & Friends, Pippo e Pasquale, Joe Avati and DJs Mark Pellegrini and Andreas.

The focus of the annual event is always Italian cuisine: this year, the Italian Chamber of Commerce will manage an area dedicated to cooking demonstrations carried out by various Italian chefs.

One of the festival’s major sponsors, Co.As.It., will this year offer a space for the elderly, along with one for children, creating an inclusive atmosphere and an event that the whole family can enjoy.

Festivalgoers will have the chance to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the iconic Fiat 500 and, with it, the Fiat Car Club of Victoria.

The Vespa Club will also partake in the festivities with its own compelling demonstration.

As is tradition, the event will feature fun children’s sporting activities with the support of the Carlton Football Club and the Juventus Academy Melbourne.

At 11:00 am, the much anticipated “Gara dei Camerieri” will take place, and those who work in Lygon Street’s myriad restaurants, bars and cafes, are invited to participate and have the chance to win $1,000 along with a trophy.

It’s bound to be a great day in celebration of all things Italian.

For more information, visit the Carlton Festa’s website or Facebook page.