The festival offers a taste of everything Italian, all in one place, with a stellar lineup of artists taking to the stage on both days.
Johannesburg has been hosting a variety of festivals over the years, with festivals such as the Madeira Festival running like clockwork, making luxury and cultural immersion a favourite pastime.
Now it's Italy's turn: Bedfordview's Italian Club is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
On September 28th and 29th, the grounds will be transformed into a vibrant celebration of all things Italian, and organisers promise that the inaugural Italiano Festival will be one for the ages – a weekend packed with all things Italian, from food to music.
Hopefully it's a festival that will become a highlight on the calendar.
Unpretentious style, the sweet life
After Ferrari and Michelangelo, Italy's gastronomy is the country's biggest export, and Italian culture has shaped Western popular culture for the past century.
It influenced everything from fashion and film to food and design: it's hard to imagine Hollywood without the Godfather, or the sophisticated, effortless style that Italian designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and Gucci imprinted on the global fashion scene.
Then think about spaghetti and pizza, once simply regional dishes that are now beloved around the world. Or how Italian cars like Ferrari and Lamborghini represent the pinnacle of automotive design. And in music, the passion and drama of operatic masters like Verdi and the effortless pop of artists like Zucchero have made Italian music a global phenomenon for centuries.
Whether it's Italian Spaghetti Westerns starring Bud Spencer and Terence Hill or the everyday allure of an espresso shot, Italian culture permeates nearly every aspect of Western life. And from iconic movies to beloved coffee habits, Italian influence continues to shape our daily experiences. Italy has transformed the mundane into something unabashedly expressive. But there's a lot to be passionate about when it comes to Italian culture in particular.
Celebrating all things Italian
So the festival could be your best chance to experience everything Italian in one easy trip, all in one place. Here's the full list of artists taking to the stage on both days.
DJ Luis Almeida will open on Saturday, followed by local stars such as DJ Kelly Ann Alerston, Lee Cole, Joe Black, Prime Circle and Mango Groove. Sunday will see Spin Doctor take to the stage, with artists including Pedro Barbosa, Miguel Preguiero and Good Luck. X-Factor winner Lorenzo Licitra will also be performing on both days.
Festival Italiano organisers said the event isn't just for adults: There will be plenty of activities for children too, including a Kids Zone staffed by professional childcare workers, with everything from interactive games to face painting and craft corners.
Tickets cost R300 for adults and R50 for children and can be purchased through Howler.
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