Entertainment
1 August, 2025
‘It feels like you are in Italy’
THOUSANDS packed Fogarty Park last Saturday as the Cairns Italian Festival returned for its fourth year, bringing a lively mix of food, music and Mediterranean flair to the city’s heart.
Festival president Claudio Di Bartolomeo said this year’s turnout exceeded expectations.
“We opened the gates at 10 am and already had more people than last year at the same time,” he said.
“I’d be happy with 15,000 or more – it just keeps growing.”
The festival caters to all ages, featuring Italian car displays, live music, children’s activities and an abundance of authentic food and drinks.
“There’s something for everybody,” said Mr Di Bartolomeo.
“It’s a day to come down, relax and feel like you’re in Italy.”
Among the many food vendors was Vittorio (also known as ‘Vitto’), who moved to Cairns from Italy three years ago and now runs Da Vito, a mobile catering business with his team.
“We’re serving arrosticini skewers here, chicken and lamb, and at our other stall, we’re making pastiera napoletana, a traditional Neapolitan dessert,” he said.
Vittorio, who first arrived on a working holiday visa and is now applying for permanent residency, said the festival held great significance for him and his crew.
“This day is significant for the community. We bring a little bit of Italian culture here and we’re very proud of that,” he said.
“It’s all about sharing the vibes, the emotions, the dancing and making people happy.”
Major sponsors of the event include Cairns Regional Council, Ray White Cairns and Beaches, Cairns Local News, Star 102.7 and the long-time support of the Piccone family.
Mr Di Bartolomeo thanked the “army” of supporters who make the day possible each year.
“Their support helps us bring this to life every year,” he said.
For the Cairns Italian community, the festival is a special occasion to reconnect with friends and family, swap traditional recipes and celebrate the songs and stories that have been passed down through generations.
Locals and visitors wandered from stall to stall, soaking up the easygoing atmosphere and strong sense of community.
Beyond the food and festivities, the celebration also pays tribute to the lasting impact Italian Australians have had on the cultural life of Far North Queensland.
Their traditions, flavours and stories are now firmly woven into the local fabric.
When asked for a food tip, Mr Di Bartolomeo laughed.
“You’re putting me in trouble. I can’t pick one, they’re all amazing. Just try them all.”
From first-timers to lifelong locals, the Cairns Italian Festival once again proved it’s a standout celebration of culture, cuisine and community.
The final events are:
Friday, August 1 from 7pm-11pm: Carnevale Masquerade Cocktail Party at The Benson Hotel
Saturday, August 2 from 11pm-late: Il Calcio Moriconi (Bomben Soccer Cup) at Lindsay Stadium, Mareeba
Sunday, August 3 from 11am-4pm: Mareeba Salami and Sausage Festa at Mareeba International Club.
