The 2024 edition of the Norton Street Italian Festa has once again transformed the heart of Leichhardt into a vibrant celebration of Italian culture, cuisine, music and traditions.

The event reaffirmed its status as one of the most eagerly awaited gatherings for the Italo-Australian community and for anyone who loves immersing themselves in Italian culture. It offered a day packed with activities for all ages.

From the morning, the historic Norton Street came to life with colourful stalls, live music and a variety of cultural events.

One of the highlights was the music from the De Bellis Band, which entertained the large crowd gathered at the main stage thanks to sponsors Co.As.It. Sydney.

The band accompanied many artists, including Ileana Pipitone, Liz Testa and Claudio Sandrelli, who all brought the rich tradition of Italian music to life with joy.

Slightly ahead of schedule, the speeches by the dignitaries, introduced by the day’s MC, Thomas Camporeale (CEO of Co.As.It. Sydney), were a significant part of the event.

Camporeale was also frequently supported onstage by Dani Torresan.

After the customary greetings, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took the stage. He was always a regular at this important festival, long before his appointment to The Lodge. Now, he continues to attend as prime minister.

Fresh from the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, Albanese expressed his gratitude to the organisers and acknowledged the presence of notable officials, including the Italian Ambassador to Canberra, Paolo Crudele, and Senator Francesco Giacobbe, elected in the AAOA constituency, which includes Australia.

The prime minister emphasised his personal connection to the Italian community in Sydney, particularly in the neighbourhoods of Leichhardt and Haberfield.

He praised the economic, social and cultural contributions of Italo-Australians and commended the work of organisations like Co.As.It.

Albanese noted, “Co.As.It. supports not only the youngest members of the community, like the children we just saw singing the national anthems on stage, but also our elderly, who, as the years go by, need care and attention.”

The value of multiculturalism was a key theme in the prime minister’s concise yet impactful speech. “It’s crucial to celebrate it and never take it for granted,” he reminded everyone present.

In a world marked by divisions,” he said, “Australia is a microcosm of harmony among people of different origins, religions, genders and sexual orientations, who live together and draw strength from the diversity that defines this community and the entire nation.

“Modern Australia recognises not only its deep connection with the world’s oldest culture, that of the Indigenous people who have lived on this land for over 65,000 years, but also the vital contributions of immigrants who have created jobs, built significant businesses and contributed to the country’s prosperity.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese having a blast at the Norton Street Italian Festa

The festivities continued throughout the afternoon, with an ever-growing crowd filling Norton Street.

Naturally, there was a space dedicated to Italian culinary delights, where the multifaceted Italo-Australian artist Silvia Colloca joined chefs, cheese makers and local salami producers in live demonstrations of traditional dishes and quality specialities.

They also recreated iconic Italian moments, such as breakfast and aperitivo.

The Norton Street Italian Festa, a collective effort by the organisers, was made possible thanks to generous support from sponsors like Inner West Council, Co.As.It., Multicultural NSW, The Royal Leichhardt, Marketplace Leichhardt and Viva Leichhardt, among others.

Once again, they provided hundreds of thousands of people who flocked to Sydney’s Little Italy with a perfect day of outdoor fun, reminiscent of a classic Italian festival.

As in previous editions, the event featured cars - one of the symbols of Made in Italy. The Italian automotive industry, which has produced iconic vehicles over the decades, was well represented.

In Pioneers Memorial Park, facing Norton Street, there was a stunning exhibition of countless unmistakable Fiat 500s, historic Alfa Romeo models, other classic Fiats and vintage motorcycles.

For more coverage, including additional speeches and a photo gallery, check out the Thursday, 31 October edition of La Fiamma.