Italian culture shines at annual Festa Italiana

With the sounds of the accordion and smells of Italy’s famous cuisine hitting the air, Festa Italiana took over Algoma Street Sunday afternoon.

Featuring fireworks on both nights, international bands, spaghetti eating contests and hopefully some constant sunshine, Italian Cultural Centre spokesman Benny Melchiorre said he’s expecting the largest crowds yet for the festival’s 20th anniversary. By 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Melchiorre said more than 3,000 people had already come to celebrate. 

More than  25,000 people could be coming to take in the sights, sounds and foods of Thunder Bay’s Italian community he added.

"It’s been really good so far the weather is cooperating," he said. "We’re all excited I think it’s going to be a great weekend."

Entertainment from New York and Italy are performing this year with a repetoire for people young and old he said. For the first time ever, Melchiorre said they will have fireworks at 11 p.m. both nights of the festival, which will bring some more people out.

Festival attendance has grown every year since it began he said.