Thousands experience la dolce vita, this Italian Republic Day
A vibrant celebration of Italian heritage drew thousands to Brooklyn this weekend, as the 80th Festa della Repubblica showcased culture, cuisine, and community spirit – strengthening ties between South Africa and Italy.
This weekend, thousands of guests flocked to the Italian Club in Brooklyn to take part in the 80th annual Italian Republic Day Festival (Festa della Repubblica).
Every June 2, the anniversary of the Italian Republic and the men and women who, in 1946, voted democratically to choose the form of government and elect the members of the Constituent Assembly are commemorated.
The festival is mainly organised by the Club Sociale Italiano di Pretoria (the host club), the Embassy of Italy in Pretoria, and the Italian Cultural Institute of Pretoria.
The day’s events featured 81 vendors, cultural performances (song and dance), a helicopter display, and a flag-hoisting ceremony of both nations to commemorate the day.
This past festival on June 7 featured all things Italian, from food to cars, clothing and everything in between for residents to take part in.
THE PEOPLE’S GALLERY
Car clubs, including the Ferrari Owners’ Club of South Africa (SEFAC), Lamborghini Johannesburg, Alpha Romeo Club SA, FIAT Club SA, Maserati Club SA and the Italian Motorcycle Club SA, kept jaws dropping and cameras snapping, showcasing hundreds of authentically Italian vehicles.
THE CARS GALLERY
When not enjoying the cars, guests could enjoy several Italian culinary delights, including arancini, freshly tossed pastas, wood-fired pizzas, porchetta, and gnocchi, as well as cannolis, artisan gelato, bomboloni, and tiramisu for the sweet tooths.
THE FOOD
SEFAC member and MC for the day’s events, Gregiono Marucchi, said honouring the Republic Day is important for the proud Italian community residing in South Africa.
“The Italian community is very proud and very well established. My grandparents came here after the Great Depression because they had no opportunities in Italy after WWI and the Wall Street crash in 1929. Africa was a utopia; there was a huge infrastructural rise, and my grandfather on my father’s side was actually a stonemason. He came here to build bridges, and that’s what this event does. It’s building bridges between the South African and Italian community,” Marucchi said.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel
