The Festa, previously held on Lygon Street, took place at the Royal Exhibition Building this year, offering more green space, indoor areas, and better parking according to attendees. Families enjoyed watching models dressed as ancient Romans wandering around the event. One family attending for the first time, the Sofras, had a lovely time at the festa. Lily Burrows, a Holocaust survivor’s daughter who migrated to Australia in 1959, performed a Zumba routine at the festival and praised the warmth and kindness of the Italian community.
Festival organiser Elaine Bocchini from Co. As. It., an Italian community assistance organization, described the 2024 Festa as a resounding success despite the weather, with almost 100,000 visitors over two days compared to around 35,000 the previous year. The decision to move the festa to the Royal Exhibition Building was well-received, and there are thoughts of expanding it to a three-day event in the future. Bocchini emphasized the importance of having a gathering place for the Italian community, including migrants and their descendants, who are now more spread out geographically, as well as providing an opportunity for others to experience a taste of Italy.
Attendees like Lily Burrows praised the Italian community for its warmth and hospitality, even if they themselves were not of Italian descent. Lily’s performance at the festa was a testament to the cultural diversity and inclusivity of the event. Families enjoyed spending time together at the festa, with children like Liana Sofra excited to meet and take photos with the ancient Roman models. The festive atmosphere and sense of community at the event were highlighted by the positive experiences shared by attendees.
The expansion of the Festa from one day to two days this year was deemed a success by organizers and attendees alike. The increase in visitors and positive feedback demonstrate the popularity and impact of the event in bringing different communities together. The possibility of extending the festa to a three-day event in the future speaks to the growing interest and enthusiasm for celebrating Italian culture in a vibrant and inclusive setting. Overall, the 2024 Festa was described as a memorable and enjoyable experience for all who attended, showcasing the rich traditions and spirit of the Italian community in Australia.
Individual stories, such as Lily Burrows’ background as a Holocaust survivor’s daughter and her connection to the Italian community through friendships, added depth and personal resonance to the Festa. The cultural exchange and connection fostered by the event, as well as the opportunity for people to experience aspects of Italian culture without traveling, were highlighted as key aspects of the festa’s success. The sense of nostalgia and shared heritage experienced by attendees like Lily and the Sofra family underscored the importance of community gatherings like the Festa in preserving and celebrating cultural identities and traditions.
In conclusion, the 2024 Festa at the Royal Exhibition Building was a memorable and successful event that brought together diverse communities to celebrate Italian culture in Australia. The positive feedback from attendees, the increase in visitors, and the potential for future expansion demonstrate the growing popularity and impact of the festa in creating a space for connection, celebration, and cultural exchange. The warm and welcoming atmosphere, highlighted by personal stories and experiences shared by attendees, underscored the festa’s significance as a cultural landmark and gathering place for the Italian community and beyond.
