La Vita È Bella / Life is Beautiful
WELCOME TO FESTITALIA
The mission of Festitalia Corporation is to develop and promote, in the City of Hamilton, a festival of significant impact that shares and promotes Italian culture and heritage with the community-at-large.
Festitalia also contributes to the economic development of the Region through a strong central volunteer driven organization that collaborates with other community groups in celebrating Italian culture and heritage and through direct links to Italy.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
It is with great honour and privilege that I introduce myself as the new chair of FESTITALIA Corporation. It is my distinct pleasure to assume where Mr. Anthony Macaluso left off. I congratulate Anthony on a very successful term and thank him for his continued dedication and commitment to FESTITALIA.
Since its inception in 1975 as the Italian Affair, this inaugural event evolved into FESTITALIA the next year and has left an impact on the community with art, music, literature, film, language and of course food. Our continued goal and strategic vision is to continue to promote the Italian culture is any way possible in the Hamilton area.
My roots are deep in Hamilton and my commitment to the Italian and broader community is my focus. Preserving the culture by any means possible is my commitment. Engaging a younger generation to participate in our activities and efforts is one of my goals and wishes.
As an Abbruzzese and Pugliese, my exposure to the culture started at a very young age. I can remember as a child the festivals at Gage Park and then the first few festivities at the James Street Armouries are memories I will never forget, in fact I’m sure I won a spaghetti eating contest one year.
Join us for The Festitalia Italian Heritage Awards of Distinction on Tuesday June 5, 2018 where we recognize the leadership of men, women and youth of Italian ancestry or Italian affiliation who contribute to the development and well-being of others and the overall improvement of the community.
September 2018 marks the 43 year our of month long festival where we start at the top of Italy and work our way all the way down to the south with our renowned regional dinners and many other events to satisfy every level and interest of Italian culture. Please visit www.festitalia.ca where our calendar is updated regularly with events and exciting news.
As I embark on my two-year term it is with great pleasure that we embrace that La Vita E Bella – Life is Beautiful.
I welcome the community to enjoy this year’s Italian Heritage Awards and month- long festivities in September.
Sincerely,
Pat Mostacci
Chair
