This annual event was originally established to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Italian Republic and the first edition was held in 2006, attracting over 30,000 participants.
Now in its 11th year, the festival has held a premier position as a not-for-profit community event that aims to share la dolce vita with Australians from all walks of life.
The festival promotes community spirit, enhances cultural diversity and nurtures the soul of communal gathering through wonderful food, wine, music and art.
Headlining this year’s festival are the world-famous Gruppo Storico Fivizzano Flagthrowers, straight from Italy.
Fourteen flag throwers and musicians will make the journey direct from Fivizzano in Tuscany to bring this ancient art, which is so embedded in Italian culture, to Brisbane.
Among the others set to take centre stage are musicians The Two Italian Guys, Italian World Master Pizza Chef and Australia's Got Talent star Youssef Ben-Touati, the Brisbane Tarantella Dancers and “The King of Zufolo” himself, Giuseppe (Joe) Castellana.
Three exhibitions will be showing as part of the festival, each exploring an area of Italy’s rich history and culture.
A photographic exhibition documenting authentic and original Venetian masks and Renaissance clothing will be on display upstairs at the Italian Language Centre for the duration of the day.
Meanwhile a display of Italian Royal Army military uniforms will be on show, while more fashion-minded individuals will enjoy the beautiful collection of Italian Murano hand-blown glass jewellery, also exhibited throughout the day.
What would an Italian festival be without a full spread of traditional fare and a nice range of wine to wash it down with?!
This year, more than 330 flavour-makers will celebrate with Italian-inspired stalls and pop-ups, offering authentic wood-fired pizza, pasta, gnocchi, risotto, calamari, panini, arancini, cannoli, artisan gelato, Nutella ciambelle, granita and more.
You will also have the chance to taste a selection of wines from leading Italian vineyards, having a bottle of your favourite drop sent directly to your doorstep if you wish.
Finally, in breaking culinary news, this edition of Festitalia will feature exhilarating Cannoli- and Gelato-Eating Competitions which guarantee a great time for both participants and spectators.
If you happen to find yourself in the sunny state this week, make sure you head across to Spencer Park for a celebration of life, love and family in true Italian style.
For more information, visit Festitalia’s website or Facebook page.
