Far North Italian heritage celebrated with Italian Festival 2023
Delectable arancini and scrumptious cannelloni were just some of the delights on offer at the spectacular Cairns Italian Festival Festa day at Fogarty Park. See the gallery and video.
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The undeniable strong Italian heritage of the Far North is being celebrated and highlighted with an extremely successful second annual Cairns Italian Festival.
Families were spellbound by a fireworks display on the Esplanade on Friday night, with Roman soldiers roaming the lawn.
La Festa day at Fogarty Park had a fantastic atmosphere with non-stop entertainment on the main stage and delectable food representing different regions of Italy and different traditions offered by signature Cairns restaurants and other vendors.
The Turning Pointe Dance Studios dancers performed several times throughout the event – which went from 10am to 11.30pm – and were a huge hit with the crowd.
The master of pizza twirling, Youssef Ben Touati, opera singers, piano accordionist Ross Maio and the Made in Italy band were highlights.
The pasta eating competition – with no cutlery and entrants having to put their hands behind their backs – was great fun.
Festival committee president Steve Cordenos said every event on the packed festival calendar had been well-attended.
“I think when you see how much happiness it brings, and you see people’s faces, it makes it all worthwhile,” Mr Cordenos said.
“I thought we had the entertainment and food spot-on and we took the festival to another level this year, the community support was fantastic.”
He said an estimated 15,000 people were at the fireworks display.
And the celebrations are far from over with the Cinecitta Gala Ball and Hall of Fame awards at the Pullman International on August 4, the Mareeba Moriconi Bomber Soccer Cup on August 5 and the Mareeba Salami and Sausages Festa on August 6.
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Originally published as Far North Italian heritage celebrated with Italian Festival 2023
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