Ferragosto NSW from home

Courtesy of Josie Gagliano

La marea di gente che ha preso parte al Ferragosto Italiano del 2018. Source: Photo by Ben Williams

Ferragosto is one of the most popular public holidays in the Italian calendar, celebrating the end of summer and the arrival of autumn. In NSW the event has been held every year since 1998 by the Canada Bay City Council, home to tens of thousand Italian migrants.


Ferragosto is held annually on Great North Road and attracts over one hundred thousand people. But this year, because of COVID-19, the event will be a completely virtual experience.

How to participate

If you want to take part to the event you need to go to Facebook, at this link here: 

The live stream of the event will be here:

From 10am to 4pm this Sunday, viewers will be able to see these activities during the broadcast.
Courtesy of Josie Gagliano
La gara di chi mangia più cannoli in trenta secondi. Source: Image by Ben Williams

What to expect from this year's special virtual event

  • A long table lunch which you can cook at your place (buy the ingredients prior, and cook along on with the menu of the day)
  • Ferragosto memories over the years, featuring videos and photos
  • A cannoli eating competition
  • Classical music from Concord High School
  • Embroiderer’s Guild
  • Demonstrations by Little Kickers and Perosh Mixed Martial Arts
  • A supermarket challenge, where a mystery shopper grabs some ingredients from Coles, and a impromptu dish is created  
  • Dress the driveway: residents and businesses are invited to decorate their drive, garden, balcony, premises or shopfront – all in Ferragosto style
  • Share memories of Ferragosto and post them on social media
  • There is a Ferragosto playlist on Spotify - add your favourite Italian music or song so anyone can listen to the music of the day!
  • You can get more details by visiting the Canada Bay City Council website.
Residents in metropolitan Melbourne are subject to stay-at-home orders and can only leave home for food and essential supplies, work, study, exercise or care responsibilities. People are also advised to wear masks in public.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits. 

If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. 

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