The 2024 Italian Festa was held at the Royal Exhibition Building, replacing the traditional location on Lygon Street. Festival-goers enjoyed the green space and indoor areas, giving them a better venue with more parking options. Liana Sofra, 6, was thrilled to see models dressed as ancient Romans wandering through the crowd, while Lily Burrows, a Holocaust survivor’s daughter, embraced the Italian culture with friends and a sense of community. Festival organiser Elaine Bocchini described the event as a success, with nearly 100,000 visitors over two days, and plans to potentially expand the festa to three days in the future.
Josie Tine and her family, including grandson Isaac Iaria, enjoyed a day out at the festa, with young Liana captivated by the ancient Roman models. Lily Burrows, a Jewish woman who migrated to Australia in 1959, participated in a Zumba routine and praised the warmth and generosity of the Italian community. Festival organiser Elaine Bocchini highlighted the festa’s importance in providing a gathering place for the Italian community, including migrants and their descendants, as well as offering others a taste of Italy without leaving home.
The 2024 Italian Festa drew nearly 100,000 visitors over two days, a significant increase from the previous year. Held at the Royal Exhibition Building, the festa featured a variety of activities and performances, attracting families like Josie Tine and Lily Burrows, who appreciated the cultural experience and sense of community. Festival organiser Elaine Bocchini expressed satisfaction with the event’s success and hinted at potential expansion to a three-day festa in the future, catering to a wider audience and providing a taste of Italy for all.
The festa’s new location at the Royal Exhibition Building offered a spacious and convenient venue for attendees, with indoor areas available in case of rain and ample parking options. Liana Sofra, 6, was delighted to interact with models dressed as ancient Romans, while Lily Burrows, a survivor’s daughter, embraced the Italian culture through food and friendships. With a focus on bringing together the Italian community, including migrants and their descendants, the event provided a space for cultural connection and celebration.
Festival-goers like Josie Tine and Lily Burrows enjoyed a day out at the 2024 Italian Festa, embracing the opportunity to experience Italian culture and community spirit. The festa, organised by Elaine Bocchini, attracted a diverse crowd of nearly 100,000 visitors, showcasing a range of activities and performances over two days. Plans to potentially expand the event to a three-day celebration reflect the growing interest and support for the Italian Festa, offering a unique experience for all attendees.
Overall, the 2024 Italian Festa at the Royal Exhibition Building was a successful and vibrant event, drawing in visitors from various backgrounds to enjoy the cultural richness and warmth of the Italian community. With a focus on inclusivity and celebration, the festa provided a space for families, migrants, descendants, and others to come together and experience the essence of Italy. Festival organiser Elaine Bocchini and attendees like Josie Tine, Lily Burrows, and Liana Sofra all expressed their enjoyment and appreciation for the festa, highlighting its significance in fostering connections and creating memorable experiences for all.
