On 17 and 18 October, the 2026 Festa Italiana & Expo took place in Melbourne, an event aimed at celebrating the Italian community’s contribution to the growth of the State of Victoria and engaging the whole city.
With over 150,000 visitors, the 2026 edition set a new record. More than 200 exhibitors – including Italian brands such as Vespa, Illy, Birra Moretti, Perugina and Smeg – and over 100 events, concerts, performers and volunteers brought the Royal Exhibition Building and the surrounding areas to life, celebrating Italian cuisine, music and traditions.
The event’s success was made possible by the work of CO.AS.IT. in Melbourne – a focal point for the Italian community since 1968 – with the support of local and Italian institutions. Participants included the Italian Ambassador to Canberra, Nicola Lener; the Italian Consul-General in Melbourne, Chiara Mauri; the Deputy Premier of the State of Victoria, Gabrielle Williams; and the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Nicholas Reece.
The celebrations were opened by the President of CO.AS.IT., Commendatore Vincent Volpe, and the Director-General, Thomas Camporeale, who emphasised that the event stands as a testament to the deep bond between Italian identity and the city of Melbourne.
