“Ferragosto is back and bigger than ever,” City of Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas said. “With five stages, over 160 food and merchandise stalls, amusement rides and international talent, Ferragosto promises to be the perfect way to explore the beauty of Italian culture and celebrate the vibrant multiculturalism in our community.” Over 100,000 people are expected to descend on Great North Road in Five Dock on Sunday, 19 August for the milestone 21st birthday of Sydney’s most beloved Italian street festival.
This year Ferragosto’s main stage, FerraVarietà, will feature iconic Italian-Australian comedian James Liotta who will delight crowds with his unique brand of humour alongside a talented cadre of performers. Celebrated Italian jazz trio Mocambo Jam and vocalist Matthew Dal Cin will also take centre stage as they serenade audiences with beautiful renditions of Italian songs. Internationally acclaimed chef Luca Ciano will demonstrate his cooking prowess as he prepares authentic Italian cuisine on the FerraCucina stage. His decorated career includes working at the renowned two-Michelin star restaurant Luogo di Aimo e Nadia in Milan, establishing the Casa Barilla cooking school, as well as publishing a best-selling cookbook, Luca’s Seasonal Journey.
“Internationally renowned acts like Luca Ciano and James Liotta speak to the quality of entertainment on offer at this year’s event,” said Mayor Tsirekas. “But the heart of Ferragosto is its celebration of our local community.”
After working up an appetite festival goers can bite into deep-fried lasagne from the Inbocca stall or opt for a more traditional snack at Nonna’s Piadina. Steaming plates of fresh gnocchi from Puntino Trattoria and melt-in-your-mouth arancini balls from Fritto & Co will be on hand as crowds weave through stalls looking for their next meal or browsing wares such as jewellery, clothing and art.
“Hundreds of local businesses will be on display along Great North Road showcasing their food, products and services. The FerraComunita stage will also proudly showcase the enormously talented people we have across our City with performances by Rosebank College and Canada Bay Community Choir among others,” Mayor Tsirekas said.
“My dance company has been performing at Ferragosto for years,” said Vanessa Decuzzi, owner of VDC Academy. “We’re a local business and the festival is such a great way to both showcase the hard work our students put in over the year, and also promote our wonderful academy.”
Local business Pasticerria Papa will be hosting a giant cannoli eating competition while Club Five Dock RSL is putting pasta lovers to the test in a speed-eating contest. If gelato is your Italian delicacy of choice you can challenge your taste buds with Cremeria De Luca’s blind taste testing or take your kids along to Duccio Gelato’s Crazy Cones decorating competition.
“Ferragosto will be a feast for the senses with the aromas of food, impressive live performances and authentic music. It marks the community coming together to celebrate our vibrant culture and I strongly encourage everyone to come along.”