FESTA ITALIANA “A Taste of Italy in Downtown London”

August 26, 27, 28, 2011!

“Festa Italiana” is one of London, Ontario’s liveliest festivals. It is a three-day celebration of Italian culture, food, music and dance.  The sights, sounds and tastes of the culture of Italy are enjoyed the heart of London’s beautiful Covent Garden Market making it a true “Taste of Italy in Downtown London”. This year it also celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy.
This year, on the three days of festivities, festival goers can enjoy the TD Bank Group Youth Opera Singers Competition, a London InterCommunity Health Centre ~ Fashion Show on Friday Night, cooking demonstrations, magic shows and the magical presentation of Light Entertainment Fire Spinners and much, much more. At dusk expect to “Dance under the Stars” to the ever popular~ Orchestra Italiana London, affectionately called OIL, under the direction of Joseph Raffa, back to bring that authentic “Taste of Italy” to dance the nights under the stars.

Headliners include Tenor and Classical Crossover Artist, Charles Di Raimondo, Saturday night with a compelling new show, and new to Festa Italiana are   “Pop Rock Chick” Laura Palumbo, Friday night, the stunning voice of Soprano and Classical Crossover Artist, Victoria Gydov, Saturday and Sunday nights  Evita Trembley is back to entertain as well, late Saturday afternoon. Check our schedule ~ soon to be posted.

This year promises new contests and more fun for children. Saturday morning Shop at the Farmer’s Market “all’Italiana” and see a cooking demonstration by Tru Restaurant and Lounge. See the famous Festa Fashion Show on Saturday and Sunday with community models.
All of this happens because of our generous sponsors. Vito Frijii of Southside Group has taken the lead again as Title Sponsor to give Festa Italiana stable ground on which to spring forward. Much like the stable ground that Southside Group has provided with Residenza Italia, our 52 - unit seniors building at 1109 Hamilton Road.

Fiat of London - making a huge entrance at Festa Italiana with a little car that will bring your heart and soul back to the good old days of La Cinquecento, the Carapella family ~ Tricar Group another power and tower behind us, Sil Iacobelli of Unico authentic tastes of Italy, TD Bank Group, supporting youth, Labatt Blue, strong and true,  Robert Galizia of National Bank, John Nicholson of Nicholson Sheffield Architects Inc., Chris Lee of Scotia Bank, and Downtown London! Supported by the London Downtown Business Association and many more ~ see our Sponsors’ Page.

The political unification of Italy began 150 years ago. Italians all over the world are celebrating this event, with food, music, dance, with the colours of red, white and green. This weekend, London, Ontario is the destination point for many who want to experience that little taste of Italy in the beautiful and versatile Covent Garden Market, as it transformed into an Italian piazza. This year, Festa Italiana takes on even more importance as we affirm ten years of celebrations at the Covent Garden Market, and as we join in the celebrations of Italy’s Unification: “1861 ~ 2011”.  Come and learn about this great history this weekend and have fun while you’re here. You won’t be disappointed! We invite all to come and share this experience of “A Taste of Italy in Downtown London”.
Come down and enjoy the last weekend of August – if you haven’t got around to visiting Italy lately, you’ll feel like you’re right there without leaving London, Ontario!
Angela Greco Wilson
Event Coordinator,
FESTA ITALIANA “A Taste of Italy in Downtown London”
proudly presented by Southside Group
at the Covent Garden Market
in Downtown London, Ontario
August 26, 27, 28, 2011