Fun, food and culture for the whole

| Gail Sedorkin

FROM delicious sweet cannoli to savoury arancini, pizza and porchetta – don’t miss the chance to try the best of traditional Italian street food at La Festa in Cairns.

The perfect family day out, this Cairns Italian Festival event is the ultimate celebration of Italy’s food, wine, fun and culture at Fogarty Park on Saturday, July 29.

Cairns Italian Festival president Steve Cordenos said guests could expect an Italian party like no other at each and every event of the 2023 Cairns Italian Festival, with La Festa bigger and better than last year’s inaugural event.

Mr Cordenos said he highly recommended buying tickets now to avoid queues for events such as La Festa Day from 10am to 11.30pm.

“Last year 12,000 people attended the inaugural La Festa, so avoid the queues and book online now,” he said.

“This year we have doubled the amount of food vendors and added in a greater variety of delicious Italian food, you will be so spoiled for choice.”

Indulge in the mouth-watering flavours of Italy with an amazing array of food and drink stalls, featuring the very best of traditional street food from the 20 different regions of Italy. Festival food coordinator, Angelo Aurelio of Angelo’s Fine Foods, said the 34 food vendors were amazing chefs and cooks showcasing traditional street food from their regions.

“The only other way you could taste the authentic food you will find at La Festa is to fly to Italy to try it.”

Enjoy the tastes of Sicily with Cannoli filled with creamy ricotta or vanilla and chocolate custard, Granita al Limone Siciliana made from freshly squeezed lemons, and savoury, crispy Arancini. Try the Porchetta (pork belly rolled and seasoned) and cooked on a spit (from Lazio), while Proscuitto cotto and Funghi (mushroom) pizza is a taste from the region of Campania.

Be tempted by the ‘meat bombs’ of flavor that are Bombette Pugliese (Puglia), roasted pork involtini stuffed with garlic, pancetta and provolone cheese, or the popular street food Arrosticini, grilled lamb and chicken skewers, from the Abruzzo region.

Savour the taste of Italy’s finest wine, coffee, and other delicious drinks that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

This year on top of the famous orange Aperol Kombi Van there will be a dedicated wine bar, The Wine Tradition NQ, showcasing the finest Italian wines as selected by owner Frank Dangelico.

While the traditional food and drinks are undoubtedly a major drawcard, La Festa is also packed with entertainment for all the family hosted by James Liotta.

He is an award-winning performer and Master of Ceremonies (MC) with more than 25 years’ experience touring constantly around Australia as a stand-up comedian alongside comedy icons such as Joe Avati, George Kapiniaris and Tahir.

He is well known as the MC for countless Italian festivals across Australia as well as major events