Love for family, good food and togetherness define both cultures. Warm, welcoming and celebratory, both communities enjoy gathering around a table or in public squares for various traditional celebrations, often tied to their religious heritage.

Though seemingly different, the Italian and Greek cultures share Mediterranean roots and are more alike than one might think.

The Una Faccia Una Razza festival celebrated these cultural similarities through a rich and diverse program that showcased the shared traditions, values and experiences of the Greek and Italian communities.

Organised by the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Demetrios in Moonee Ponds, the festival was born out of a desire to bring the local Greek and Italian communities together to celebrate their shared cultural heritage.

Moonee Ponds and nearby areas such as Essendon and Ascot Vale provided the ideal setting due to their large Greek and Italian-descendant populations.

“It all started a few years ago when Father John noticed how many Greek-Italian couples attended the church,” explained George Vossos, head of the events committee at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.

“Our first festival took place last year, and this year we’ve expanded with a stronger Italian presence.”

Married to an Italian himself, Vossos explained that planning the festival was inspired by his everyday life - a constant blend of shared perspectives and an uncanny similarity in cultural outlook.

“It’s about the joy of being together, celebrating, gathering around the same table and cherishing family and shared moments,” he said.

“Meeting my wife’s family, with a Sicilian father and a Tuscan mother, felt natural.

“Understanding each other was easy because our cultures have so much in common.”

The goal of Una Faccia Una Razza was to create a multicultural event celebrating both cultures through traditional and popular elements like food, dance and music, while also catering to children with a dedicated play area.

The event also offered souvenirs and products from Greek and Italian vendors.

The festival mostly took place both inside St. Demetrios Church and outside on Gladstone Street.

“Food was central to the day,” said George Vossos, “We made sure both cultures were equally represented, creating a beautiful Italo-Greek mix.

“The program extended to the church hall’s upper level, where we recreated a Greek taverna atmosphere to enjoy coffee and small plates, just as you might in an Italian bar.”

Some of the typical Greek sweets on offer at the festival

The culinary offerings delighted punters with traditional dishes from both cultures, including souvlaki, spanakopita, pasta and pizza.

The entertainment was just as vibrant, with musical acts and performers recreating the lively spirit of folk festivals with traditional songs and dances.

Highlights included performances by House Band and Apollo Rising, who played Italian and Greek songs along with the Melbourne School of Tarantella, which got visitors involved in the iconic dance.

Children had plenty to keep them entertained, too, with activities organised by Co.As.It. and a show by magician Anthony De Masi.

There were also many stalls featuring small businesses who offered a variety of Greek and Italian products, from traditional foods and pasta to clothing, jewellery, accessories and home decor items.

Adding to the day’s significance were special guests, including Bill Shorten MP, Danny Pearson MP and Moonee Valley Mayor Pierce Tyson.

“Ultimately, the most important aspect of the festival is bringing people together in a safe and welcoming environment, highlighting our cherished traditions and showcasing aspects of our shared heritage,” Vossos added.

“We also wanted to incorporate some new elements and celebrate the talents of Italians and Greeks, which we saw in the many performers, whether on stage or among the artists on display.”

This year, the festival saw remarkable growth, increasing from around four thousand attendees in its first year to approximately eight thousand in its second, according to Vossos.

The organisers are delighted with how the second edition unfolded and are committed to making the festival bigger and better each year.