Festa Italiana is like taking a trip to Italy, says the festival chairman.
“Italy is made of 21 regions. They all have different culture, different traditions and specialty dishes for each part of those regions,” said Benny Melchrre. “You can travel all of Italy without leaving Thunder Bay.”
The 23rd annual Festa Italiana kicks off this Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at the Italian Cultural Centre on Algoma Street and the Italian Society of Port Arthur is inviting the entire community to come and see what it’s like to be Italian for the long weekend.
The two-day event features Italian music and dance with live entertainment that includes Thunder Bay’s Le Stelle Alpine Dancers, the Alpini Choir, John Scaffeo and Friends, a fashion show and Pino Gioia, who is coming straight from Italy.
And, of course, there will be plenty of food from various non-profit Italian groups.
“It is a big family reunion. We try to share our culture and our traditions with the rest of the community so they can pass it on,” said Melchrre.
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It’s that hospitality and friendship that brings people back to the festival year after year, said Melchrre.
“There’s good food, good entertainment and there’s the chance to meet old friends and make new friends,” he said.
This year, Festa will again have a trip for two to Italy up for grabs. The draw will be held Monday at 10 p.m.
Each evening will close with fireworks around 11 p.m.
Admission is free.
