The seven-day celebrations will involve the entire Italian community and the various clubs and associations within it.

The week opened on Sunday afternoon with a musical performance entitled ‘La Grande Guerra’, at the Veneto Club.

The show featured a collection of songs that were composed depicting the struggles of Italian soldiers during WWI which ultimately shaped the region’s cultural heritage and the “Veneto spirit”.

Today at 6:30 pm, the Italian Cultural Institute (IIC) in South Yarra will host a debate in honour of the Constitution of the Italian Republic’s 70th anniversary, organised by Nomit and Comites Victoria and Tasmania.

Featuring chairman Associate Professor Bruno Mascitelli (Swinburne University), and guest speakers Dr Ivano Ercole and Prof. Tomaso Montanari in video call from Italy, the debate will focus particularly on Article 9, one of the 12 fundamental principles of the constitution.

President of Comites Victoria and Tasmania, Dr Francesco Pascalis, and president of Nomit, Dr Luca Esposito, will also intervene.

On Tuesday at 6:30 pm, Co.As.It.’s Museo Italiano will host a cultural event organised by the Dante Alighieri Society, celebrating the famous Venetian poet Diego Valeri, with a reading by Prof. John Lando.

On Wednesday at 6:30 pm, it will be time for the community to come together to enjoy a celebratory cocktail at St Brigid’s Hall, in Fitzroy North.

On Thursday, another event will take place at the IIC, this time in the form of a classical music concert entitled ‘Transforming Baroque’.

The concert will feature Italian violinist Davide Monti and pianist Alexander Nettelbeck.

On Saturday, the day of the Festa della Repubblica, the Italian Chamber of Commerce will hold a glamorous gala dinner at The Atlantic Peninsula, in Docklands.

The Italian Cultural Week will come to an end on Sunday, June 3, with a vibrant community festival at St Brigid’s Precinct, in Fitzroy North.

Following the traditional mass at 10:30 am, there will be a parade, music, children’s activities, food and much more. 

For more information, contact the Consulate General of Italy in Melbourne.