Festa Italia is back

Published on 17 February 2023

The City of Hobart is proud to once again be supporting Festa Italia come to life this Sunday with a Partnership Grant worth over $10,000.

Acting Lord Mayor Helen Burnet encouraged locals and visitors alike to join the festivities.

“After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, we are so pleased to have Fiesta Italia back and celebrating in the street,” Cr Burnet said.

“After more than a decade, it has become a Tasmanian institution that never fails to delight.”

“This festival is an invitation to visit North Hobart. It is a celebration of fine Italian food, hospitality and culture, which offers so much.”

Welcoming and Inclusive City Portfolio Chair, Cr Dr Zelinda Sherlock said the festival showcases the best of Italian music, food and heritage in our City.

“Hobart is a stronger, vibrant and diverse city with a variety of amazing food with thanks to the contributions of Italian and other immigrant communities,” Cr Dr Sherlock said.

“Everyone is welcome to come along and celebrate Italian culture.”

Festa Italia Hobart Honorary Secretary Silvia Catozzi thanked the City of Hobart for supporting the event.

“This coming Sunday, at the ‘Festa Italia - Presenting a Taste of Italy, Ciao Hobart!’ we are expecting over 5,000 people coming through the event, and having the City of Hobart providing us shelters, tables and chairs to use at no cost, it is absolutely invaluable.

“Without the City of Hobart’s continued generosity of this event, it would not be possible to be successful as it has and hopefully continues to be,” Ms Catozzi said.

The free event will be held Sunday 19 February from 11 am to 5 pm at the Australian Italian Club in 77 Federal Street, North Hobart.

There will be pizza, pasta, gelati and traditional sweets on offer, as well as music, dance and Italian cars.

Federal Street between Elizabeth Street and Argyle Street, and Thomas Street between Federal Street and Yardley Street will be closed to traffic from 8 am to 6.30 pm.