Festitalia

Now in its 12th year, Festitalia will celebrate all things Italian in Brisbane on Sunday October 14, and it's going to be fantastico! 

Held at Spencer Park, Newmarket (home to the iconic Brisbane Football Club) Festitalia is a celebration of community spirit, cultural diversity and the soul of the Italian community - the perfect day out for all ages to experience the true passion of Italy.

The event will feature  local and national Italian artists, entertainers, dancers, singers and performers, hosted by James Liotta, award-winning stage, screen and television personality.

More than 30 pop-ups and stalls will serve everything from authentic espresso, pizza and calamari, to cannoli, gnocchi, granita, Italian meatballs, Nutella doughnuts and much more. For those who have a hard time saying no, there will be Cannoli and Gelato Eating competitions and even a Nonna's slipper toss!

On the lively entertainment program are the famous Gruppo Storico Fivizzano Flag Throwers, direct from Italy and the Brisbane Tarantella Dancers, Italian tenor Raffaele Pierno, Italian-Australian songstress Cosima de Vito and Diletta Luna from Brisbane and famed pizza acrobat Youssef Ben-Touati.

Traditional Italian cooking demonstrations will be hosted starring local Italian chefs including Youssef Ben-Touati, Roberto D'anna (Tartufo), Andrea Ravezzani (Noosa Waterfront Restaurant & Bar), Rossano Tantulli (Pavarotti's Italian) and Alessandro Motta (Casa Motta).

Looking for something a little more edgy? Artistic swordsmen, Prima Spada, will showcase the amazing skill involved in Italian Renaissance swordplay, while Pax Romana will captivate you with the historical re-enactments of the Roman Empire in the first century.

This year, Festitalia also celebrates the ancient art of glassblowing. The origins of glassmaking in Venice go back to the times of the Roman Empire; live kilns and talented glassblowers will demonstrate throughout the day.

The Italian Tent is back for a second year - whether you're wanting to get a taste for this romantic language, brush up on your own conversational Italian, or you just love the language full stop, this will be a must-visit on your event itinerary.

Colourful and wonderfully-costumed Commedia dell'Arte performers will be roaming the festival, and for the bambini, fun activitities include Palio Bimbi – a hobby horse race - and Past’Arte where kids can create a doll’s dress on paper from pasta shapes.

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Festitalia is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com