There’s no place like Rome

Celebrating all things Italian, the annual Melbourne Italian Festa returned to Carlton on November 26, relocating from Argyle Square to the Royal Exhibition Building and the Museum Plaza in an exciting event transformation.

From pizza, cannoli and gelato to Italian wine and cocktails, the one-day-only festival was a true salute to some of Melbourne’s best Italian offerings.

Across indoor and outdoor stages, the program featured a variety of live entertainment, providing the community with an opportunity to learn more about Italian culture and history, as well as creating a space for Italian-Melburnians to enjoy their own slice of Italy in Australia.

The festival also included Melbourne’s own Mercatino S.Lucia, an Italian Christmas market ahead of the festive season.

The first Melbourne Italian Festa was held in 1978 to celebrate the growing Italian community in Lygon St and has since become one of the most highly anticipated events among locals. •

Photography by Hanna Komissarova.