North Hobart transformed into slice of Italy as thousands enjoy Festa Italia

For 78-year-old Rosa Brianese, Festa Italia takes her back to her home country that she left more than 60 years ago. Here’s a taste of the annual festival >>

darby Venettacci 10 and Angelica Passarelli at Festa Italia, North Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

Celebrating at Festa Italia reminds Rosa Brianese of her childhood.

“It feels like we’re in Italy,” the 78-year-old said.

“We celebrate our beautiful friends, Australian people, Italian people and all nationalities.

“We share our special food, our beautiful music, we really enjoy it.”

Ms Brianese arrived in Hobart when she was 16 after travelling by boat from Molise, Italy.

Since she can remember, she has been coming to the Festa every single year.

Elvira Vecchione, Gilda Farrizio, Silvana Caccavo, Rosa Vrianese and Nina Santesso at Festa Italia, North Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

“It gets better and better,” she said.

“My favourite is the musical, the band. I like to dance. I like music. Italians are happy people. We are loud, noisy people.”

Thousands of people have come to Federal Street in North Hobart to cultural celebrations including Italian food and drinks, music and entertainment.

Top Shelf Duo Dean Canan and Lisa Asta who performed at Festa Italia, North Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

Top Shelf Duo Dean Canan and Lisa Asta, who have performed across the country over the last 30 years doing Italian Festivals, flew in from Melbourne for Festa Italia in North Hobart on Sunday.

“To come down here and see how many amazing people there are for one culture. It’s amazing,” Ms Asta said.

While Mr Canan has been performing at Festa Italia for years, it was the first time Ms Asta performed at the event.

Stella Direen 2 dances at Festa Italia, North Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

“I used to come down here and play the casino back in my hay days,” she said.

“It feels fabulous to be back in Hobart.”

It comes as the Festa, which attracts 10,000 people every year, will receive $50,000 over the next four years if the Liberals are re-elected.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff serves pizza at Festa Italia, North Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

“We know how important it is that Tasmanians can connect and celebrate our rich heritage at organised events and this investment will secure the event for years to come,” Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.