Italian flags hoisted all along Norton Street, the laughter of carefree children playing, the smells of handmade food, and a boisterous sea of people bursting into Sydney's Little Italy.
Norton Street has been reclaimed, a space that for too long had been denied to the public due to restrictions put in place to protect them from Covid.
At long last, the community is able to enjoy the the Norton Street Italian Festa, an emblem of our culture across generations, and a folkloric attraction for anyone who wants to feel a part of the traditional festival customs of the Bel Paese.
From Leichhardt Town Hall to William Street, across 600 metres to be precise, Italian-style street activities, entertainment and culinary demonstrations are on display.
On the Co.As.It. main stage, many prominent figures spoke words of praise regarding the significance of Italian culture in the world. Kicking things off was Thomas Camporeale, general manager of Co.As.It.
Another special guest to take the stage was Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who, with great emotion, expressed how happy he was to see Leichhardt full of people celebrating Sydney's diversity and multiculturalism.
"For so many years I have been attending this festival, and this is the first time I have been back since 2019, it is a great honour for me to be here today as Prime Minister, thank you all for giving me this opportunity. I am doubly happy to be here as the first Prime Minister ever to be of Italian descent," he said.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of Co.As.It within the Italian community in Sydney as a provider of services:
“Co.As.It takes care of Italians through all stages of an individual's life, from birth to old age.”
Albanese also went on to emphasise the importance of multiculturalism in Australia, and the cultural heritage left behind by the many Italians who migrated here in the past, and the many who continue to choose to come to Australia.
Completing the list of dignitaries attending the party were NSW Premier Dominic Perrotet, the Italian Ambassador to Australia, H.E. Paolo Crudele, Sydney Consul General, Andrea De Felip, Sydney Co.As.It President, Lorenzo Fazzini, State MP Jamie Parker and Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne.
