‘It’s a family reunion’: Italfest back in Montreal

“We're proud to be Italian,” says Philip Santagata, one of the many that came out to Little Italy to celebrate Italian culture. The Italfest was forced to go virtual last year, and is now celebrating its 29th edition. Pamela Pagano reports.

By Pamela Pagano

Posted August 13, 2022 12:14 am.

Last Updated August 13, 2022 12:19 am.

Montreal’s Italfest is back after a virtual festival last year due to the pandemic, the Italian culture now vibrant this weekend in Little Italy.

“Being back from the pandemic, COVID, obviously everybody’s excited to be back,” said Claudia Mastrocola, a ItalfestMTL representative. “We’ve been very happy to see everybody.”

“We love being here, meeting people, shaking hands,” said Anthony Ciavirella, co-founder of Manmade, one of the many vendors at the festival. “It’s amazing, an amazing vibe.”

“There’s tons of great vendors, there’s tons of great people, tourists and even Montreal residents,” added fellow vendor of the Manmade team, Roberto Rebelo. “It’s a great time to just get out.”

Fiat

One of the many Fiat’s that filled Montreal’s Little Italy for the Italfest festival on Aug. 12, 2022. (Credit: Pamela Pagano/CityNews)

Italfest, formally known as Montreal’s Italian Week, is now in its 29th edition.

“I’m so happy that we’re back,” said Pina Corneli, co-owner of Corneli restaurant in Little Italy. “Our city is full of people, it’s fantastic.”

“From the beginning of January we start to get excited about this,” added Joe Nicodemo, co-owner and chef of Corneli. “Closing the street, it brings such a beautiful vibe to Little Italy.”

Corneli Restaurant

Montreal’s Little Italy’s Corneli restaurant on Aug. 12, 2022. (Credit: Pamela Pagano/CityNews)

The festival is happening in and around the city – including a first at Montreal’s Quartier des Spectacles on Aug. 19th and 20th.

“It’s a really nice introduction to Montreal,” said a tourist visiting from California. “You know, it’s our first time being here.”

“The food is great, the weather’s nice, wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” added his friend.

accordion player

Accordion player, Giovanni Natale, fills Montreal’s Little Italy with music on Aug. 12, 2022. (Credit: Pamela Pagano/CityNews)

“We love the community,” said Philip Santagata, one of the many that came out to Little Italy to celebrate Italian culture. “We’re proud to be Italian.”

“We missed this, we missed the rush,” said Mastrocola. “It’s a family reunion.”

Full programming available on their website.

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