La Dolce Italia Festival
La Dolce Italia Festival is the celebration of Italy’s three great loves - food, family and fun. With all the necessary ingredients for a great festival, it’s set to take Melbourne by storm. Each year’s festival will showcase and celebrate the traditions of three Italian regions in a program of weekend events. This year Lazio, Lombardia and Sicilia are the focus.
Lombardia will be celebrated each year to maintain Melbourne’s sister-city link with the region’s Milano.
Each year La Dolce Italia Festival will aim to bring the spirit and atmosphere of timeless and modern Italy back to Melbourne. The fun and gaiety of the festival takes place in the shops, cafes and restaurants of Carlton. They will provide the stage and backdrop for roving entertainers, sumptuous al fresco banquets and opportunities to savour rare provincial Italian dishes.
Visitors will be free to roam the streets and explore a delightful weekend of family-oriented activities and public participation events in Lygon Street, Piazza Italia, Argyle Square and surrounding public spaces.
The festival’s purpose is to offer families the opportunity to participate in a unique collection of family entertainment experiences not found anywhere else in Australia.
Distinctive performance mini-stages, banners and a decorated Piazza Italia will transform Lygon Street into a colourful wonderland. The decorative effects will flow in and out of restaurants where regional banquets can be experienced. These combined efforts will provide the atmosphere and touch of fantasy required to create a perfect landscape for a weekend of traditional Italian celebrations.
Visitors will be treated to an array of exciting cultural experiences such as tomato sauce, salami and wine making demonstrations, food and wine tastings from the three regions, displays of Italian fashion and stylish local designers.
There’s plenty for the kids too including mosaic art classes, italian storytelling and a Pied Piper parade based on the legendary children’s tale.
Music competition “Italian Stars” is just one event highlight, showcasing Italian music and recognizing the talent Melbourne has to offer. Split into two age groups, under 12 years and 13 years and over, the competion will award two winners from each age group. One winner is judged by music industry professional and the other will be decided by an online audience vote. Auditions start in November 2009 and the finals are in February 2010. Stay tuned for more audition details.
A portion of the proceeds from ‘Italian stars’ will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.