Little Italy, Toronto, Ontario- The 6″‘ Annual FIERA in Little Italy presents a Celebration of Italian Culture, Music and Cuisine. From Saturday September 5′” through to Sunday September 6′” midnight, you can visit Italy without leaving Toronto Little Italy on College Street between Bathurst and Shaw will be transformed into an Italian street festival, with over 100 performers and entertainers, great food, dancing in the streets, and amusement rides as part of the festivities
From the 50′S through to the 60′5, the College Street Lillie Italy area became the first new home in Canada to hundreds of thousands of Italian immigrants. And this is where you crowd hear their beloved music of southern Italy’s the regions of Calabria, Napdi, Puglia. Sicilia, and more… emanating from the porches and backyards of every Italian home in Toronto. Along with the sounds, came the traditional Sunday feast which brought friends and family together for fine foods. wines, and music.
FOOD$ OF FIERA…
As Lillie Italy celebrates this wonderful FIERA (harvest) tradition with Italian music, our restaurateurs rediscover the unique foods from the southern regions of Italy that inspired and excited harvest lime in Southern Italy. Experience the authentic foods of the south: Trippa. Polpetti. Pesci fritti, porchetta, Pizza a-la Napolilano, gelato, all prepared in the traditional way…as “Sagras” for $1-$5 other restaurants will feature portions of their menus as “Tastes” for $1-$5. All restaurants will participate with full menus as well, and some will feature extended patios and hours.
ENTERTAINMENT
The Sabatum Quartet is perhaps the most original and unique group of its kind. Ethnic and folk music is stripped of its dogmas and ‘corrupted” while keeping its characteristics intact. Their music embraces everything from the typical “tarantella Calabrese” traditional songs, to socio-political and original pieces. The innovative arrangements, the 7 voice polyphony and rhythms chat B. beyond the traditional Italian “groove” such as tango, flamenco, rock and others genres are the elements that make Sabatum Quartet stand out from the rest.
College Street BIA has brought together many Canadian-Italian entertainers for the weekend’s festivities, Stroll along College Street Saturday and Sunday and enjoy Me sounds of Italian music performed on each block throughout Little Italy from fpm to 11pm. Dancing in the streets and under the stars is all part of the street festival appeal and is very much encouraged!
At Palmerston Stage, presented by CHIN Radio will be the SABATUM QUARTET “the evolution of Southern Italian Folk Music”" direct from Calabria Italy; With the Region, Calabria highlighted with its music and foods at Fiera 2009. the modern Taranta folk band Sabatum will add to the ambiance and excitement of Calabrese entertainment The SABATUM QUARTET will be featured both Saturday evening and Sunday evening. Also featured on the Palmerston Stage on Sunday September 6′” at 5pm, Is the Annual Johnny Lombardi Canadian Italian Song Competition – our own and unique “Little Italy Canadian Idol Show when 20 contestants will vie for over $4,000 in cash and prizes, and radio and television exposure on CHIN Radio/Tv International
“I am very proud to offer this Italian cultural experience to all residents of Toronto,” said Lenny Lombardi. Chair of Little Italy BIA, and President of CHIN Radio/Tv International.. My father, Johnny Lombardi, was passionate about the Italian culture and the desire to share it with all Canadians. Where better to experience Italian culture. music and cuisine. than in the heart of Little Italy on College Street”
FIERA 2009 is truly a celebration of all things Italian! In Little Italy on College Street Saturday and Sunday September 5′”and 6′”, 2009. Admission is FREE. Street closure in effect. From Bathurst to Shaw.