Entertainment
28 June, 2026
Festival celebrates Italiano
THE fifth annual Cairns Italian Festival is promising to be the best and biggest to celebrate the early Italian migrants who helped shape the Far North.
Officially launched this week, it sets the stage for what promises to be the biggest celebration of Italian culture in Far North Queensland to date.
Festival committee members, sponsors, community representatives and invited guests gathered for the launch, joined by Cairns Mayor Amy Eden, who welcomed the festival’s continued growth and contribution to the region’s cultural diversity.
Festival president Claudio Di Bartolomeo reflected on the festival’s journey over the past five years and paid tribute to those who first brought the idea to life.
He said the festival was established, not only to celebrate Italian traditions, food, music and culture, but also to acknowledge the sacrifices and achievements of the early Italian migrants who helped shape the Far North.
“The festival is about preserving and sharing our heritage,” he said.
“It is also an opportunity to recognise the generations of Italian families who contributed so much to the development of this region and helped make Far North Queensland what it is today.”
Since its inception, the festival has grown into one of the region’s premier cultural events, attracting thousands of visitors from across Queensland and beyond.
The event showcases authentic Italian cuisine, live entertainment, cultural displays, sporting events and family-friendly activities that celebrate the rich traditions of Italy.
This year’s festival will run from 23 July through to 2 August, featuring a packed program of events across the Cairns region.
The highlight of the festival will once again be the popular Festa Day at Fogarty Park on Saturday, 25 July.
The waterfront precinct is expected to come alive with Italian food stalls, market vendors, cooking demonstrations, music, dancing and cultural performances throughout the day.
