Gala events on Cairns Italian Festival from July 26 to August 4
Showcasing the flavours of Italian food, cultural family values and history is the aim of the third annual Cairns Italian Festival. Find out what’s in the pipeline for this rapidly expanding event.
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Italy in the Tropics is the theme of the 2024 Italian Festa from July 26 to August 4, celebrating the Far North’s strong cultural ties with Italy.
Young gun Claudio Di Bartolemeo has taken the reins from indefatigable Steve Cordenos as the fast-growing festival enters its third year, leading a committee of six.
“With around 25,000 people each year gracing our events, it’s clear that our shared love for Italian culture is thriving,” Mr Bartolemeo said.
“Building on the resounding success of our first two festivals, we stand poised to make this year’s event even more grandiose.
“The Cairns Italian Festival has evolved into an 11 continuous-day extravaganza, a celebration that weaves together the threads of history, culture, food, wine, song, and dance into a vibrant tapestry.
“As we revel in the festivities, let us not forget the backbone of this celebration – the Italian immigrants who bravely left their homeland in pursuit of a brighter future in Australia.”
La Festa – a day of food and wine that is an annual highlight – will be held on July 27 at Fogarty Park, with entertainment including pizza acrobatics, folk dances, Siesta Cartel, The Italian Stallions and DJ Marciano on the family-oriented program.
A Northern Italy, Central Italy and Southern Italy food and wine degustation will be held over three nights at Flynn’s Italian, Ollie’s Italian and Piccolo Cucina respectively.
The Tuscany in the Tropics gala ball will be held at Pullman Cairns International on August 2.
There’s plenty more gastronomic events on the program culminating with the Mareeba Salami and Sausage Festa on August 4 – the maker of the best salami will win $2000 and homemade lunch will be served at Mareeba Italian Club.
Italians played a significant role in the cane farming industry in Far North Queensland, bringing with them agricultural expertise, particularly in cane farming, working as labourers on sugar cane plantations, helping to clear land, plant and harvest cane.
The influence of Italian migrants in Far North Queensland’s cane farming heritage is evident in the region’s cultural fabric.
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Originally published as Gala events on Cairns Italian Festival from July 26 to August 4
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