Hugely popular Italian festival celebrates 10 years in Mississauga

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Published August 10, 2022 at 4:31 pm

One of Mississauga’s largest and most popular festivals returns to Celebration Square in the downtown core this weekend to mark its 10th anniversary.

Mississauga Italfest kicks off on Friday (Aug. 12), from 5 to 11 p.m., and the party picks up again on Saturday for a full day and night of activities. The fun runs from 12 noon to 11 p.m. and admission is free.

Like Mississauga’s other large festivals, Italfest is returning this summer to Celebration Square after two years of virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organizers say the 10th Italfest promises to be the best yet.

“Experience some of Italy’s finest in the heart of Mississauga” is among the themes of this year’s festival.

Attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year, Mississauga Italfest has consistently been named one of Ontario’s top 100 festivals/events over the years.

Celebrating “the beauty of Italian heritage and culture,” organizers say the event features delicious food and crafts from a variety of vendors and artisans, cultural and family-oriented activities, entertainment from local and international talent, a thriving “mercato” (market) and more.

Mayor Bonnie Crombie reminded people today (Aug. 10) at City council that Italfest takes over Celebration Square this weekend. She encouraged anyone and everyone to attend.

“Mississauga Italfest is a highly-anticipated festival, a jewel in our city’s lineup of premier events throughout the summer and one that I am extremely proud to support,” Crombie is quoted as saying on the festival’s website.

Also on the website, Chin Radio/TV International president Lenny Lombardi sings the festival’s praises.

“Mississauga Italfest is an outstanding  event. It is a valuable contribution to the city of Mississauga and is enjoyed by all who attend, regardless of age or ethnicity,” he said.

The following weekend, Aug. 20-21, Japan Festival Canada takes over Celebration Square as the largest Japanese cultural event in North America, according to organizers.

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