What the festival represents
The festival is a week of highly charged and authentic Italian entertainment celebrations, but it also pays homage honouring the Italian immigrants who left their homeland in search of a better life and future in Australia.
The festival celebrates generations of Italians making Australia home and changing the face and future of the Far North Queensland region in farming, business,
and development. This event is way overdue, and encompasses the entire North Queensland region from Cairns, Atherton, Dimbulah, Edmonton, Gordonvale, Innisfail, Mareeba, Mossman, Mutchilba, Port Douglas, Silkwood, Tully, and Yungaburra.
Festival committee
The Cairns Italian Festival has a number of people voluntarily working hard in different fields to achieve what is going to be 17 days of celebration, full of rich and authentic Italian culture.
The president of the commit-
tee, Steve Cordenos, is set on making this festival not just a way to celebrate the Italian community, but also the wider community as well as showcasing the tropics as a holiday destination.
“As the president I am greatly thankful to lead this amazing committee and team to showcase the Italian way of life to the broader north Queensland residents,” he said.
“To stage such an event takes a massive commitment of time, devotion, and hard work from the entire committee.
“We are blessed to have a young and vibrant committee driving this Cairns Italian Festival so that for generations to come this will be an event that will attract thousands of people, celebrating our multi enriched way of life and to never forget our forefathers that came before us.
“The many hours invested to put such a big event together is all volunteered and let me assure you everyone is focused to stage an event for all north Queensland to be very proud of.”
“We are proud and passionate Australian Italians that want to give Cairns an event that will enrich and engage the community and businesses as one.
“What an opportunity to showcase Cairns as a holiday destination while enjoying the celebrations of the Cairns Italian Festival.”
The festival’s management committee includes vice-president Lui Garozzo, treasurer Claudio Di Bartolomeo, secretary Anna Cito and management member Angelo Aurelio. The festival’s general committee includes entertainment and gala ball coordinator Patty Poutanen, social media manager and web designer Arianna Bianchi, graphic designer Yu- Kang Huang (Patrick), video production director Michael Pattini, foundation book co-ordinator Gemma Meoli, teacher team leader Flo-
rianna Torelli, logistic and planning co-ordinator Claudio Di Bartolomeo, volunteer co-ordinator Lainie Rossi, raffle team leader Teresa Senna and general committee members Gina Codotto.
What’s on
Throughout the 17 days, there will be an entire array of events and festivities for all ages and interests. From an Amalfi Coast dinner night to a gala ball, as well as the Mareeba Moriconi Bomben football cup, where the Mareeba Bulls will be going against the Leichhardt Lions in a head-to-head game with a lot at stake.
For more information, visit www.cairnsitalianfestival.com. au/events
AFTER a highly successful inaugural run, the Cairns Italian Festival returns later this month with a 17-day Italian extravaganza.
Expanding to a 17-day program from July 21 to August 6 across FNQ venues, the second Cairns Italian Festival promises to be bigger and more delicious than ever with all the events you loved from last year and many more in an enormous celebration of Italy in the tropics.
Cairns Italian Festival president Steve Cordenos said guests could expect an Italian party like no other.
“Last year, we had over 25,000 people across all events and the Roman Exhibition and 12,000 throughout the day on our Festa,” Mr Cordenos said.
“The Cairns Italian Festival is the biggest cultural event in Far North Queensland. We will hold 10 different events across 17 days.
“The Festa Day on July 29 will be enormous this year, still at Fogarty Park but in a bigger area and double the amount of food stalls.
“We’ll have live entertainment starting at 10am and finishing at midnight. We will hold fireworks the night before on Friday at the Esplanade.
“We’ve got four diverse nights at different restaurants representing Amalfi Coast, Southern Italy, Central Italy and Nothern Italy paired with exceptional wines.
“The Gala Ball will encompass the
Hall of Fame Awards, it’ll be a huge night, and then we’ll finish off in Mareeba with the Moriconi Bomben Soccer Cup and the salami and sausage festa on August 5 and 6,” he said.
Mr Cordenos said confidence was high thanks to the unwavering community support.
“Possibilities are enormous,” he said.
“The only thing stopping us from making this festival bigger and bigger is manpower because there’s only so much work we can put in.
“But we’ve got great ideas, and we’ll make it bigger and better.”
This year’s festival will also commemorate the stories of Italian immigrants in the tropics further with a 110-page book available for purchase on La Festa.
“Last year, we marketed a foundation book which includes the stories of all Italian immigrants. Families have the stories of their grandparents and great-grandparents in it,” Mr Cordenos said.
“Half of the book is dedicated to the inaugural Cairns Italian Festival, and it’s got how it started and every event that we hosted last year. The book has gone into production and it’ll be available for sale at La Festa and also online, it’s called ‘La Storia, the faces of Italian immigrants’.”
For more information and to purchase tickets to The Cairns Italian Festival, visit www.cairnsitalianfestival.com.au
| Gail Sedorkin
IF you’d like to win a trip for two to Italy, (and who wouldn’t?), then it’s time to buy some tickets in the Cairns Italian Festival Raffle.
There’s more than $14,000 in amazing prizes to be won including the trip to Italy valued at $8000.
You can buy your tickets at Cairns Central (near Williams Shoes) from 9am to 3pm tomorrow, Saturday, July 22, at any of the Cairns Italian Festival events until the final event at Mareeba on August 6, or on the Cairns Italian Festival website.
The lucky winners will be drawn at the Mareeba Salami and Sausages Festa at the Mareeba International Club on Sunday, August 6.
First prize includes tickets for two to Italy, five nights’ accommodation for two people in a 4-star hotel in Rome, daily breakfast, return transfers, and popular day tours to the Vatican Museum and to the Roman Forum.
Second prize is a specially commissioned oil on canvas painting, ‘A Day in Positano’, valued at $3000 – painted and signed by local artist Jori Poutanen.
This colourful painting depicts Positano, a cliffside village in southern Italy’s Amalfi Coast and a well-known holiday destination with a pebble beachfront and steep, narrow streets lined with boutiques and cafes.
Third prize in the Cairns Italian Festival raffle are cash rewards of $300 for 10 lucky people to spend how they like.
All the raffle proceeds will go towards the Cairns Italian Festival Inc., a not-for-
profit organisation, funding events such as the free Family Night on July 28, just one of the many Cairns Italian Festival 2023 events to be enjoyed by the whole family.
The winners of last year’s Cairns Italian Festival Major Raffle Prize, Louise and Gerard Montafia, shared their beautiful photos and the following from their trip to Italy:
My husband and I were the lucky winners of the Cairns Italian Festival major raffle prize drawn last year – a trip for two to Italy,” Ms Montafia said.
“This sparked the conversation to make our holiday one to remember and with the help of festival volunteer and Cairns travel agent Patty Poutanen (TravelManagers), we added to our prize and extended our trip to include Sicily, the Italian Riviera, the Cinque Terra and Lake Como,” she said.
“We have just returned from our amazing holiday and we would like to thank the Cairns Italian Festival for making our experience such a fabulous one.
“In true Italian style, we sipped on Aperols and ate endless bowls of pasta – and we wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you.
Tickets can be bought at Cairns Central tomorrow, at any of the Cairns Italian Festival events or visit www.cairnsitalianfestival.com.au/raffle.
(Winners do not have to be at the draw).
Innisfail
International Club | 10 Vaughan Street, Mareeba
10:00 am DJ Stefano Marciano
DJ at various Italian bars & clubs in Melbourne and Italy
11:00 am Ross Maio
Multi Award Winning Piano Accordionist
11:20 am A Taste of Italy
Brought to you by Turning Pointe Dance Studios
11:40 am Made in Italy the Show
Incredible Live Music band all the way from Sydney
12:45 pm Pizza Acrobatic
The master of pizza twirling - Youssef Ben Touati
1:00 pm Ross Maio
Multi-Award-Winning Piano Accordionist
1:20 pm Siesta Cartel
2:25 pm
Young talented sicans that sets both the stage and crowd alight
National Anthem President, Steve Cordenos Welcome to All
2:55 pm An Italian Summer
3:15 pm
Bought to you by Turning Pointe Studios
Pizza Acrobatic
The master of pizza twirling - Youssef Ben Touati
3:30 pm Spaghetti Eating Competition
Brought to you by Barilla
4:30 pm Opera Singer's
Cairns most accomplished performers. This will leave you spellbound
5:00 pm
Celebrate Italia
Bought to you by Turning Pointe Studios
5:20 pm Music Concert in true Italian Style. We will have you dancing all night!
11:15 pm
11:45 pm
Featuring Ross Maio/DJ Stefano Marciano/Made in Italy the Show/Siesta Cartel
Spectacular Grand Finale
all musicians performing together
Buona Notte & see you in 2024
| 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
both corporate and public. He has appeared on numerous television shows over the last two decades but most recently as Cousin Lino in the new “Fat Pizza – Back in Business” series.
The amazing line-up of entertainment at La Festa includes the live performances of Siesta Cartel, the ‘Made in Italy’ Show, Ross Maio and DJ Marciano showcasing the best of Italian music and dancing.
Turning Pointe Dance Studios will also be there to entertain with some crowd-pleasing dances.
Enriching the Cairns region for more than 25 years, the highly acclaimed local dance troupe has received accolades both interstate and internationally.
Turning Pointe dancers will provide a spectacular showcase of dance entertainment throughout the day, ranging from traditional Italian dance to much-loved Italian classics, to current chart toppers. Turning Pointe will also be performing a number of dances at the Cairns Italian Festival’s Cinecitta Gala Ball.
Popular group Siesta Cartel returns to Cairns this year for the second Cairns Italian Festival, again performing the great classics of Italian music with a modern twist. This musical movement led by a group of young Italians from Melbourne are on a mission
to unite all Italians in Australia with the music that helped raise them, and that they still love today. Made in Italy Show is the ultimate celebration of Italian music
that will take you down memory lane, as far back as the 50s, to celebrate timeless Italian music from each decade.
This professional accomplished seven-piece line up will not dis -
He has been awarded the Australian Club Entertainment Award for instrumental act of the year over many years.
Showcasing the best of Italian music, local opera singers will also take the stage at La Festa.
The four fabulous singers are Alteouise deVaughn, Mezzo Soprano from Port Douglas with Cairns local residents, tenor Adrian Strooper, soprano Catherine Knight and baritone Frank Dangelico.
Popular DJ Marciano will be featuring at La Festa and also at the Cinecitta Gala Ball this year.
A resident DJ at Italian bars and clubs around Melbourne, headline DJ for the Melbourne Italian Festa and playing guest spots across Italy, DJ Marciano has continued to develop his sound by hitting the studio to remix and re-imagine hits of the Italian stalwarts of the 60s through to the 90s.
appoint, featuring Tony Mazell, Cristina Capponi and Sara Mazell on vocals.
Multi award-winning accordionist Ross Maio will be entertaining the crowds at La Festa this year.
He’ll have you dancing to songs you didn’t know you knew and spark nostalgia for a time you probably didn’t live through. It’s highly recommended you buy your La Festa tickets online to avoid the queues. For more information and all tickets visit www.cairnsitalianfestival.com.au
Halfway along Shields Street is where you will find Pist4cchi Restaurant / Cocktail Bar. An authentic slice of Italy where two Italian friends made their dream come true where you can experience authentic family recipes, combined with an extensive Italian wine list.
The Back Room is our hidden garden cocktail lounge where you can enjoy an extensive cocktail list utilising over 200 spirits labels.
Pist4cchi is the one and only restaurant in Cairns with a hidden cocktail lounge where you can have two different experiences in one venue.
Find us at La Festa on the 29th of July, where we will bring to your palate two exciting dishes from the Puglia region (heel of the boot).
“Mangia, bevi, e sii felice.”
4031 2996 | 64 Shields St, Cairns City
www.pistacchicairns.com
MAREEBA will be front and centre of the Cairns Italian Festival in August when the town hosts two events of the 17-day festival that features a host of wonderful opportunities to embrace and share Italian culture.
Mareeba will be the place to be on the final weekend of the festival, when it hosts a new event, the Moriconi-Bomben Soccer Cup, on Saturday August 5, and the final event, the Salami and Sausages Festa, on Sunday August 6.
The soccer event is a tribute to Alfio Moriconi (deceased) from the Mareeba Football Club and John Bomben from Leichhardt Football Club, who both devoted a lifetime of passion to their respective clubs which were well-known rivals who fought out many battles on the soccer field over the years.
The special Moriconi-Bomben Soccer Cup is a tribute to honour these two Italians who both have dedicated so much to the game in Far North Queensland.
Game times at Lindsay Australia Stadium, Mareeba are: Mareeba United vs Leichhardt under 18, kickoff 1.30pm, Mareeba United vs Leichhardt under 23, kick-off 3.30pm, Mareeba United vs Leichhardt over 45, kick-off 5.30pm and Mareeba United vs Leichhardt QPL men’s, kick-off 7pm.
The second Mareeba Salami and
Sausages Festa promises to seek out the best homemade salami and sausages in the region, with several awards to be presented and the overall winner up for a $2000 cash prize.
Sponsored by Borgo Salumi, the event features a panel of five expert judges who will rate each entry out of 20 in the areas of taste, aroma, density and colour.
Some of Australia’s best artisan salami and sausage makers will be contesting to take out the prestigious awards and great prize money on offer. You will also get the opportunity to meet those competing on the day, and you never know – you may even learn some of their secrets.
There will be a panel of five expert judges who will decide which is the best homemade salami and sausage in the Festa. There will be several awards with our expert judging panel rating each entry out of 20 in the areas of taste, aroma, density and colour.
A delicious homemade Italian lunch and dessert will be provided by the Mareeba International Club with live Italian music and comedy by duo Attori as entertainment.
The selection of dishes on the menu includes Italian antipasto, Fusilli pasta with ragu, and, of course, a selection of Italian sweets. Tickets are already on sale at www.cairnsitalianfestival.com.au or can be bought on the day at the door.
The Feast of the Three Saints Committee is proud to support the Cairns Italian Festival in 2023!
We look forward to sharing with you all some of the traditional foods from the Italian region of Sicily. Come and enjoy the festivities and our Sicilian fare at Fogarty Park on Saturday 29 July from 10 am. Look out for our stall, where you will find traditional home-made Cannoli, handmade Arancini, and Lemon Granita also made the traditional way, on site. Just to name a few of our delicacies on offer.
JOIN the celebration of Italian food, wine, music and culture at Innisfail’s Pasta & Sugo Festa on Sunday, July 23.
This addition to the 2023 Cairns Italian Festival at the Johnstone Shire Hall in Innisfail promises a day for families and friends to enjoy the best of Italy’s history, food, culture, song and dance.
Bigger and more delicious than last year, this year’s 17-day Cairns Italian Festival will be celebrated across Far North Queensland in Cairns, Mareeba, and at this new event in Innisfail.
Cairns Italian Festival president Steve Cordenos said guests could expect an Italian party like no other at each and every event, including Innisfail’s Pasta & Sugo Festa which runs from 11am to 5pm.
“This year we welcome you to the Johnstone Shire Hall on Sunday, July 23 for the first edition of the Pasta & Sugo (sauce) competition Festa, a new and exciting event for the region filled with lots of laughter, and of course great food and company,” he said.
“A major highlight of the day at the Johnstone Shire Hall is a magnificent feast of Italian antipasto, a buffet lunch and Italian desserts provided by the Innisfail sponsors, Oliveri’s Deli (antipasto), Roscoe’s Pizza Place (buffet) and Sapore Di Italia – Taste of Italy (dessert).
“Come join Attori and celebrate
everything that makes Italy so special, with comedy to make you laugh, and the chance to sing along with their powerful voices to popular songs such as ‘La Donna’, ‘Funiculi Funicula’, ‘Volare’, ‘Mambo Italiano’, ‘Il Mondo’ and many more.”
“We are ‘pazzi per la pasta’ (crazy for pasta) and we know that many of our fellow ‘Innisfailians’ have migrated from Italy, so we want to showcase your pasta making skills and spaghetti eating skills.
“We want to see who can create the most delicious and authentic Italian pasta dishes. And don’t worry if you’re not Italian, we welcome everyone to participate.
“Some of Australia’s best homemade pasta and sugo makers will be contesting to take out the prestigious awards and prize money on offer. And of course you can’t have a pasta and sugo day without a spaghetti eating competition challenge.”
During the competition, each person will get a large bowl of spaghetti of identical weight.
Players must eat the spaghetti without silverware and with their hands behind their backs.
The first person to eat all their spaghetti is the winner.
The competitions will delight, as will all the celebrations during this great day in Innisfail.
For more information, competition details and tickets visit www.cairnsitalianfestival.com.au
Garozzo family salute all
IF delicious Italian food matched with the best regional wines of Italy is your idea of the perfect indulgence – the 2023 Cairns Italian Festival is just for you. There is not just one unforgettable evening for foodies, however, but four nights each featuring the flavours and cuisine of an Italian region.
Tonight’s Amalfi Coast Degustation at Ollie’s Italian also marks the start of the 17-day Cairns Italian Festival 2023.
Ollie’s Italian will be showcasing the best of the Amalfi Coast region’s fresh local seafood, launching the Cairns Italian Festival with a night not to forget.
The five-course degustation with wine pairing promises an unforgettable evening of indulgence, where guests can savour
the flavours, aromas, and culinary traditions that have made the Amalfi Coast a world-renowned destination for seafood lovers.
The entrée of Cuttlefish tagliatelle, pea cream, burnt lemon and caviar paired with Pala Soprasole Vermentino Sardegna is just one sample from the menu.
The night will finish with Ollie’s own limoncello.
This is just the start of the evenings indulging in classic regional dishes and wines, with Pistacchi featured on Tuesday, July 25, Flynn’s Italian on July 26 and Piccolo Cucina on July 27.
To add to your enjoyment, these three evenings will be hosted by Frank Dangelico and Michael Trembath, each with more than 30 years’ experience curating wine from all over the world.
Mr Dangelico is well known as the owner of The Wine Tradition NQ, the only locallyowned wine company in the north, and with friend and wine importer Michael Trembath are looking forward to hosting the dinners.
“These dinners are a celebration of the regionality of Italian food and wine,” he said.
“We are looking forward to talking about the region’s food and, of course, about the wine.
“With family scattered all over Italy I have been lucky to have been able to travel to all those regions enjoying the food and wine.
“I feel with my heritage that I’m a custodian of Italian cuisine. I grew up with this food – it’s the same as my Nonna cooked and my mother cooked – it’s important for us to preserve that.
“Much of this food is very specific to a region, sometimes just to a village.”
On Tuesday July 25 indulge in Italian cuisine and fine wines at Pistacchi’s Central Italy degustation. Savour classic dishes and expertly paired wines.
Paolo, Francesco and the Pistacchi crew have crafted a feast to celebrate this spectacular zone, accompanied by a little bit of ‘vino regionale’ with each course.
Paolo is from Ariano Irpino in Campania, Francesco is from Trinitapoli in Puglia. They met in Riccione, on Italy’s Adriatic Coast, working in restaurants during the summer holidays, building on their skills and their friendship since 2006.
Combining their extensive knowledge of classic Italian cuisine, they now bring you a menu that will transport you to Italy with every bite. Add into the mix a perfect blend
oldest cities in Italy, and home to some of Italy’s most famous dishes.
This tradition will be celebrated at the Food and Wine Degustation at Piccolo Cucina on Thursday, July 27 from 6pm to 10pm.
Home to some of the oldest cities in Italy, the south is filled with treasures, from the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the Trulli of Alberobello, across to the Gulf of Taranto and around to the Strait of Messina. With three seas, volcanoes and olive groves as far as the eye can see, Calabria, Sicilia, Puglia, Basilicata, Sardegna, Campania, and Molise are the homes of some of Italy’s most famous dishes.
“Our friends at Piccolo Cucina will be preparing a menu showcasing dishes from ‘the food bowl’ of Southern Italy.
“With wines to match these regional
dishes, this ‘Festa del Sud’ promises to have you dancing a pizzica and tarantella like a local.”
A traditional Italian restaurant located in the centre of Cairns, Piccolo Cucina takes pride specialising in handmade pasta and hand stretched pizza. They support their local quality producers and their seasonal ingredients.
Mr Dangelico said he couldn’t wait to try all the dishes, but his choice would have to be Pesce spada alla Messinese (swordfish) served ‘al cartoccio’ with a loose tomato sauce with green olives, capers, basil and salsa verde, a traditional dish originating from Sicily.
Book now for these never to be repeated evenings at www.cairnsitalianfestival.com.au
of friendship and love of hospitality you’ll be sure to have a ‘bellissima esperienza’.
At Pistacchi, Frank said he was most looking forward to Carciofo Ripieno al tartufo (stuffed artichokes, with breadcrumb, cubed Prosciutto San Daniele served on a pecorino and truffle sauce).
On Wednesday July 26 Flynn’s Italian is proud to have partnered with the Cairns Italian Festival to bring you an authentic evening of Northern Italian food and wine.
From 6pm you are invited to indulge in the authentic four-course degustation menu with paired wines that celebrate the best of the region.
Northern Italy’s cuisine is known for its use of high-quality ingredients, including truffles, cheese, cured meats and hearty classic dishes.
When asked to choose, Mr Dangelico said his favourite dish would have to be the antipasto starter (gorgonzola and aged 24–month prosciutto di San Daniele, heirloom tomato, walnut, baby rocket, balsamic glaze, served with sourdough) paired with Villa Sandi Prosecco DOCG “Il Fresco” NV.
Crystalbrook Collection Area General Manager, Luke James is delighted to have Flynn’s Italian join the Cairns Italian Festival for the second year running.
“We value our connection with the Italian community and embrace the opportunity to share our interpretation of Italian flavours,” he said.
Other classics included in the northern Italy menu are Risotto ai funghi, and Lombardia veal osso buco.
Southern Italy is home to some of the
A NIGHT of Italian elegance awaits everyone who attends this year’s gala ball – one of the highlights of the 2023 Cairns Italian Festival. It’s going to be a ‘bella notte’.
One of the most sought-after events this year, the Cinecitta Gala Ball is themed after the iconic film studio in Rome – the Italian Hollywood on the Tiber.
Held at the Pullman International in Cairns on August 4 it promises to be a night of glitz and glamour.
Gala ball organiser Patty Poutanen said guests will walk the red carpet and be transported to a world of Italian cinema and elegance, with patrons able to dance the night away to music from the 1940s through to 2023.
“It’s time for tuxedos and glittering ball gowns – it’s all about the glamour of these movies and being ‘movie elegant’ for this wonderful evening,” she said.
“Cinecitta is the Italian version of Universal Studios. It’s a symbol of all the glamour of the era.”
When planning the evening, Ms Poutanen has taken her inspiration for this central theme from her favourite glamorous Italian actor, Sophia Loren.
Entertainment will include Melbourne-based band Siesta Cartel, a massive hit in Cairns in 2022, DJ
Marciano and Turning Pointe Dancers.
“There will be a surprise element in the dances from Turning Pointe Dance Studios at the Ball. Two of the dances are based on Italian films while one is based on a very influential actor.
“Live band Siesta Cartel will be perfect for the evening. They are able to sing and play folk music that we can all remember, but they de -
liver it in a modern style. Together with DJ Marciona, guests will party the night away.”
She said the venue would also be decorated with elegance, classic Italian touches, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the timeless glamour and allure of the Italian actors.
“With the dress code of glamour, you are encouraged to dress to impress, adding to the enchanting
ambiance of the evening,” Ms Poutanen said.
“The Cairns Italian Festival Gala Ball is an event not to be missed.
It’s a unique and unforgettable celebration of Italian culture and cinema.”
On the evening, the Italian Hall of Fame awards and life member awards will also be announced – a ceremony which aims to recognise the achievements of Italians who
migrated to Australia or come from immigrant families and have contributed significantly to the region in the diverse categories.
“These awards are so important. It’s our way to recognise people who have contributed in so many ways – to say thank you,” Ms Poutanen said.
“These people need to be recognised – this is a very important part of the evening.
At last year’s 2022 Carnival Gala Ball, the late Lou Piccone become the very first inductee of the exclusive life membership award in appreciation for his incredible generous contributions to Cairns and the surrounding region.
Award categories include community service award, farming and agriculture award, business recognition award, developing and building award, educational achievement award, sporting achievement award, arts and culture achievement award, and young Italian of the year.
Tickets are almost sold out for the Cinecitta Gala Ball which includes a four-course Italian meal expertly crafted by the Pullman International’s chefs, and a five-hour drink package featuring a selection of Italian wines and other beverages. Tickets can now be bought online at www. cairnsitalianfestival.com.au
| Gail Sedorkin
THE free family night on Friday, July 28 is just one of the many Cairns Italian Festival highlights not to be missed this year.
With 10 major events the 2023 festival brings Italy to the Tropics with events in Cairns, Innisfail and Mareeba during the extended 17day program.
The free family night will also see the launch of one of the highlights of this year’s Cairns Italian Festival – La Festa – in Fogarty Park the next day.
As it did last year, the family night includes one of the best fireworks displays in Far North Queensland and lots of family fun.
From 6pm to 8.30pm the night will include face painting, a photo opportunity with Roman soldiers and much more.
La Festa will be held at Fogarty Park from 10am to 11.30pm on Saturday, July 29.
Guests can support the free family night event when they buy a raffle ticket at this and other 2023 Cairns Italian Festival events or online.
COMMUNITY!”
Through our six divisions, CSF Industries is responsible for the delivery of Regional Queensland’s major steel fabrication projects and logistical operations projects, specialising in the delivery of ‘whole of house’ project solutions.
Established in 1979, the company also maintains an impressive client base across Australia and South East Asia.
A NEW book, La Storia – The Faces of Italian Immigrants commemorates the stories of Italian immigrants, their struggles and their resilience while building new lives in the tropics.
As noted in the book’s foreword, La Storia is a “compelling collection of stories, showcasing the resilience and cultural heritage of Italian families who built new lives in Australia”.
Dedicated to telling the stories of local Italian immigrants La Storia can be ordered at the 2023 Cairns Italian Festival at La Festa on Saturday, July 29 and online.
Cairns Italian Festival president Steve Cordenos said families from Cairns and surrounds, and the Tablelands had the stories of their parents, grandparents and great grandparents in La Storia.
“This hardcover book published by Cairns Italian Festival Inc. is dedicated to the stories of local Italian immigrants and how we started here in the north.”
These stories (storia), with photos, follow the lives of 37 Italian families as they integrated “into Australian society while maintaining a strong connection to their Italian roots through ‘La Famiglia’; the most important aspect of their lives”.
While the first half of the 110page book commemorates these resilient Italian immigrants, the remainder is dedicated to last year’s inaugural Cairns Italian Festival.
“The book covers how the festival started and every event that we hosted last year, including stories of the founder and photos and stories from every event from the 2022 Cairns
Italian Festival,” Mr Cordenos said.
“It’s a way to thank the exceptional committee and team that brought the inaugural festival to life and made it such a success.”
Starting with La Festa last year, other 2022 events brought to life with stories and photos include the Mysterious Masquerade Gala Ball, Opera on the Reef and the first regional event, the Mareeba Salami and Sausage Festa.
In 2022 entertainment and gala ball coordinator Patty Poutanen (Avolio) proposed the idea of the cultural festival to a group of local interested Italian-Australians as a way to preserve their heritage, but also share it with the wider community.
“A series of meetings and the formation of a dedicated committee, and a lot of hard work, resulted in the outstanding success of the inaugural Cairns Italian Festival in 2022,” Mr Cordenos said.
This section of the book also thanks local businesses and sponsors of the festival and the team responsible for the professional marketing and promotional campaigns including the website and social media.
Order a copy of La Storia – The Faces of Italian Immigrants at La Festa on July 29 or at www. cairnsitalianfestival.com.au ($75).
Online sales also start July 29, 2023.
| Gail Sedorkin
A NEW addition to the Cairns Italian Festival on August 5, the Moriconi-Bomben Soccer Cup, is a tribute to Alfio Moriconi (deceased) from the Mareeba Football Club and John Bomben from Leichhardt Football Club and their dedication to football. Both devoted a lifetime of passion to their respective clubs with their contribution to the game unparalleled. An over 45s match will be played as a curtain raiser to the main game which will include a lot of the older players from the glory days of past battles.
Big names from Mareeba like Karl and David Srhoj, Pasco Rogato, Angelo Tatti and Jose Lopez and from Leichhardt Jimmy Eszes, Martin Docherty Stacey Fittock , Glen Hurney and Mario DeVecchi to name a few.
Make no mistake, even though the hairline has thinned and the waistline has grown, both teams will still be putting on a great show.
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OFFERS
With housemade Gelato & Sorbet served 7 days a week.
Sunday to Thursday, 6.00am - 9.00pm
