The Melbourne Italian Festa is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever before! This highly anticipated event, embraced by the Italian-Australian community and all culture enthusiasts, promises a magical gathering to honour the past, present, and future of generations proudly carrying Italian heritage in Australia.
This year, mark your calendars for November 26, when the Melbourne Italian Festa will take centre stage at the magnificent Royal Exhibition Building and Museum Plaza. This iconic venue change marks a significant shift from the historical Piazza Italia, and it sets the stage for an unforgettable experience.
The 2023 Melbourne Italian Festa introduces a host of exciting new features, elevating it to a level of uniqueness and excitement unparalleled in its history. Most notably, the organisational coordination of the festival is now under the stewardship of CO. AS. IT of Melbourne, a venerable institution representing the Italian and Italian-Australian community in Melbourne. Their collaboration, along with the Consulate General of Italy in Melbourne, the Institute of Culture, COMITES Victoria and Tasmania, the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the support of Carlton Inc association, has forged vital partnerships and garnered endorsement from the State of Victoria, the City of Melbourne, and the Museums of Victoria.
We are delighted to announce IL GLOBO TV as the Naming Sponsor, showcasing a robust partnership between CO.AS.IT. and Il Globo, known for their shared commitment to fostering cultural connections through numerous events.
But what can attendees expect this year? Outdoors, the Museum Plaza will be transformed into a lively Italian piazza, featuring a grand stage and over 25 booths offering a diverse array of delectable Italian specialties. Guests can savour these dishes comfortably at small tables with charming umbrellas, all while enjoying captivating performances.
An expansive area dedicated to aperitifs will be nestled under the shade of trees, providing a delightful backdrop for the event. Families and children will be delighted by various activities, including a showcase of Italian cars and Vespas. Indoors, the experience continues to captivate with exciting additions. The Santa Lucia market awaits with an array of gifts, books, and religious items. Art exhibitions promise to captivate spectators, and the indoor stage will host live soundtracks of famous Italian films performed by musicians from across Australia.
For the first time in Australia, there will be a Panettone Fair, along with a dedicated area for tasting the finest imported Italian wines. An exclusive stage indoors will host demonstrations of Italian culinary expertise, treating visitors to a sensory delight.
Meanwhile, a cozy corner brimming with games and Italian storytelling will keep the little ones engaged. Delights for the palate are abundant, including sweets, coffee, a Salumeria for a true salumi experience, a cheese bar and a wealth of other Italian culinary treasures.
Make a note of the date: Sunday, November 26 at the Royal Exhibition Building and Museum Plaza is destined to be the most extensive celebration of Italian culture and tradition Melbourne has seen in the past decade. This extraordinary event is not to be missed, a testament to the enduring allure of Italianism in Australia. For more information: Elaine Bocchini elaineb@coasit.com.au
