A Message from The Mississauga Italfest Board of Directors and Organizing Committee
Dear Friends of Mississauga Italfest,
We have been thinking of you, your families and businesses and wishing you well during these most unprecedented times. Thank you for your past support and encouragement of what we continue to work so hard to accomplish, delivering an award-winning Italian Heritage, Music & Food Festival that offers everyone to experience a vibrant “Taste of Italy”.
All of us at Italfest would like you to know that while we’d hoped to present something in 2020, by the time we were given the final word of the closure of Celebration Square, it was too late to produce a virtual event. From our most successful festival on record in 2019 where we welcomed 30,000 enthusiastic visitors, to 2020, where due to COVID-19 all festivals were cancelled, and Mississauga Italfest stages went dark.
COVID-19 continues to bring many challenges but with it, resilience, and the ability for us to adapt, and change.
Italfest 2021 will present: “A Virtual Taste of Mississauga Italfest” during Italian Heritage Month. Exciting popular Italo-Canadian singer, Carlo Coppola, hilarious comedian Frank Spadone, and highlights of the Italfest featured region, Calabria with its songs, folklore, regional food, and specials including renowned Calabrese Chef, Luciano Schipano, will reach deep into people’s homes and hearts with exciting music, culinary delights, and entertainment!
When COVID restrictions are lifted, Mississauga Italfest looks forward to bringing people together again for our annual August Ferragosto picnic. All can enjoy Bocce Ball, Scopa and Briscola tournaments, pasta & watermelon eating contests, popular headliners and dynamic emerging talent, kid’s attractions, a sports zone and family zone, Heritage displays, crafters, vendors and delicious food.
Until then, along with our Virtual presentation during Italian Heritage Month, throughout the year Mississauga Italfest will find unique ways to celebrate Italian heritage and culture by partnering with organizations, social clubs and other communities. We’ll look for every opportunity to show our pride and foster ideas like participating in a virtual Italian Flag raising ceremony and Italian Independence Day, presenting small concerts and Heritage talks, cooking classes, capturing and documenting the Mississauga-Italian immigrant story and so much more.
Next year is an important and exciting milestone for us; and we hope you will join us for:
Mississauga Italfest’s 10th Festival Celebration
We hope to receive another Top 100 Festivals in Ontario Award. Your support has helped us get this far.
AN EPICENTER OF ITALIAN CULTURE
Heritage
A virtual celebration of history, heritage and culture highlighting traditional music, song and folk lore, architectural works,regional food and highlights of the 2021 featured region of Calabria. Live events will mirror the above.
Music
Virtual performances featuring popular Italo-Canadian headline performers, local emerging talent, and comedians.
Live Events: main stage, kid zone performers, activities and a variety of engaging interactive fun, family-oriented entertainment.
Food
Featuring culinary experts and exciting demonstrations of authentic Italian-style food by local Italian chefs from well-known and popular eateries.
Live Events: variety of authentic Italian-style food vendors, global delicacies, a VIP Lounge and Bar Italia.
Activities
Virtual food competitions, history sessions and musical performances.
Live Events: Bocce Ball, Scopa and Briscola tournaments, pasta and watermelon eating contests, soccer challenges, market crafters, artisans, and sponsor and vendor booths.
Entertainment from International Talent and Local Emerging Artists
What Others Are Saying
Mississauga ITALFEST is a highly anticipated festival, a jewel in our city’s line up of premier events throughout the summer and one that I am extremely proud to support; There is always something for everyone at Mississauga ITALFEST. A little taste of Italy visits Mississauga whenever Mississauga ITALFEST takes place.
"Mississauga ITALFEST is an outstanding event. It is a valuable contribution to the city of Mississauga and isenjoyed by all who attend, regardless of age or ethnicity."
Lenny Lombardi
President, Chin Radio/TV International
"Mississauga ITALFEST is a highly anticipated festival, a jewel in our city’s line up of premier events throughout the summer and one that I am extremely proud to support."
Bonnie Crombie
Mayor of Mississauga
"Solmar Development Corp., has been honoured to support Mississauga ITALFEST. Celebrate with your friends and family right in the heart of downtown Mississauga."
Giuseppe Paolicelli
General Manager, Solmar Development Corp.