Celebration Of Culture Livens Up The Mall
Illawarra Mercury
Thursday June 1, 2006
Thousands of people will once again converge on the Crown St Mall on Saturday for the 12th annual Tutti in Piazza, the culmination of colourful Italian Week in Wollongong.
Members of many Italian organisations and those representing various regions in Italy will begin to arrive at around 8.30am to set up their stalls amidst lots of laughter and noise and a flurry of cooking pots, china, coffee, home made traditional biscuits, sweets and breads.Among the offerings available for sale will be all manner of pasta and sauces, savoury dishes, cold meats, cakes, cheeses, regional specialties, soups and Italian style coffee.There will also be a traditional Australian barbecue sending out inviting aromas.To be officially opened during the morning by the Consul General for Italy in Sydney Antonio Verdi and Wollongong's Lord Mayor Councillor Alex Darling, the day will also include a traditional flag waving performance by a group from Corinaldo, Provincia Ancona, items from local dance schools, performances by primary and high school students studying Italian and music from the Wongawilli Bush Band to add the Australian touch.The theme for this year's Italian Week (la settimana Italiana 2006) organised by the Illawarra Association of Teachers of Italian is the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Italian Republic and the celebration of Italo/Australians in Wollongong turning 60 this year.As part of the celebrations, an olive tree was presented to the city and gifts to those whose milestone birthdays fall this year, all part of tanti auguri Italia (happy birthday Italy).The Italian and Spanish speaking licensee of the North Wollongong pub Mark Molloy will host Salute (cheers Italy) on Friday to introduce Australian palates to the imported Italian beer Peroni.The beer and pizza night will begin at 7pm.
© 2006 Illawarra Mercury