Italian Festa features far and wide

THE Mirboo North Italian Festa was held on Sunday, February 12 in celebration of community, culture, and cuisine, with generations of Italian families sharing in singing, dancing and storytelling. 

Over 40 vendors surrounded the outskirts of Baromi Park, cars lined the streets and local families were on foot to join in on the huge celebration, indulging in Italian dishes, desserts, and wine – whilst singing and dancing to Siesta Cartel.

The Mirboo North Italian Festa committee were ecstatic to welcome a crowd as far as the eye could see. Rosie Romano officially opened the Festa with MC and comedian James Liotta - welcoming Illana Massaro to sing the Australian and Italian National Anthems. 

State Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale took the stage to welcome the community to the annual event. 

The Ancient Roman Reenactors Victoria were on display, with enthusiasts of ancient Roman history showcasing the costume, tools and culture. 

Mirboo North Primary School students then took centre stage performing two dances, with school captains officially introducing the students to their audience.

The Veneto Club Melbourne Choir then performed traditional songs from the Veneto Region of Italy and other Italian regions to stimulate memories, hearts, and minds of their listeners. The choir is made up of male voice with distinctive vibrant strong tone - their eldest member turning 90 years of age in just two weeks.

The Festa program began with a Mass in Baromi Park and Procession of St Paul. In two demonstrations the Flag throwers from Faenza Italy along with drummers dressed in medieval costume, presenting their art of tossing and twirling their flags – in solo and group performances.  

It was then time for the spaghetti eating competition, with carry over champion Michael Nativo taking out the event with his first win in 2019. 

The crowd then maintained their gaze over to the grape stomping competition, where teams ‘The Clowns’ verse Daniel and Sophie trampled on 15kg of grapes, with Daniel and Sophie taking the win – filling five and half litres of juice out of the wine barrel. 

Hundreds of families strolled the park, enjoying wine tasting whilst watching Nonna’s cooking demonstrations in salami, pasta, pizza and donuts – whilst the kids were entertained with face painting and traditional games. 

This year’s Mirboo North Italian Festa was a lively event bringing South Gippsland families together in dance and welcoming groups including the Freccia Azzurra seniors’ group to the region. 

For more information on the annual regional event visit www.italianfesta.net