A vibrant, festive and deeply meaningful occasion, the event paid tribute to the iconic vegetable of Treviso, radicchio, the red jewel of “Little Venice”.
The undisputed star of the day was Treviso’s own radicchio, recognisable by its deep red hue and slightly bitter flavour, celebrated by more than 260 guests. Attendees included not only members of the Trevisani Assocation, but also friends and representatives from other regional clubs such as the Veronesi, the Padovani and many supporters of the Veneto Club.
The festival was a chance to strengthen ties among the broader Veneto diaspora, united by shared roots, warm company and delicious food.
Annette Parisotto, president of the Trevisani Association, welcomed everyone with heartfelt words. “We’ve got a wonderful lunch today, but the most beautiful part is that we’re all together,” she said. “That’s the real celebration. Our members deeply value tradition, and we take great care in passing it on. For Venetians, radicchio is part of everyday life, it’s always on the table.”
The venue was adorned with elegant decorations, and in the middle of each table sat a radicchio, purple and proud, as a symbolic centrepiece. A light-hearted tradition added charm to the meal: whoever found a marked tag under their bread plate got to take the radicchio home.
The menu was a loving homage to Treviso cuisine, radicchio risotto, chicken involtini, bowls of fresh radicchio and, for dessert, a generous cassata accompanied by truffle gelato. Everything was freshly prepared with local ingredients and traditional recipes. The risotto was crowd favourite and received unanimous praise for its flavour, balance and vibrant presentation.
Entertainment came courtesy of the energetic duo Max&99, who kept the dance floor lively with music that had everyone moving.
Adding a spiritual touch, Father Vito Pegolo blessed the radicchio. “I’ve just returned from Rome, where I met with the new Pope three times,” he revealed, “But today, I’m here with you, to bless this symbol of our land.”
Dennis Pozzebon, one of the association’s committee members, shared a preview of what’s next on the calendar. “On August 30 and 31, we’ll host the much-anticipated Festa dei Salami, two days of food and fun, featuring James Liotta as MC, food stalls, cooking demos, a jazz band, the Veneto Club Choir and a contest for the best salami judged by experts,” he revealed.
Fabio Sandonà, a key figure at the Veneto Club, emphasised the strength of teamwork,
“Behind events like this is a well-oiled machine,” he said. “The Veneto Club is always an open house, for Venetians and non-Venetians alike. Today, we’re here to support the Trevisani and, more broadly, the Veneto community.”
Several notable guests and community leaders attended, including former president of the Veneto Club Giancarlo Perruzzo, president of the Veronesi Association Renzo Zanella, joined by his wife Ida, and seated at the Padovani table, secretary Katia Bacchin, a proud Treviso native, alongside her husband Luigi Bacchin, president of the Padovani Association. “Beyond our specific associations, we’re all Italians first,” said Bacchin.
And finally, a light-hearted and heartfelt compliment from Sergio Dal Pozzo, president of the Cavour Club and member of the Veneto Club Choir: “I’m here for the Trevisani celebration and to have a good time, but beyond that I’ve got to say; the risotto today is absolutely outstanding.”
Through one of its most beloved ingredients, the Festa del Radicchio once again spotlighted the value of tradition and the timeless appeal of Italian cuisine. With simple ingredients, iconic flavours and a community like the Venetians, who guard and pass down their culinary heritage with pride, it’s easy to see why Italian food continues to be loved the world over. After all, identity, especially the Italian kind, very often begins at the table.
