The historic venue will be transformed into an Italian piazza, with everything from pizza, pasta, arancini and cannoli to gelato, Italian wines, an Aperol Bar and a Peroni Tent. There will also be artisan, deli and lifestyle stalls, live entertainment and activities for the whole family.
This year's festival coincides with the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, with the Italian Trade Agency, the Italian Consulate in Cape Town and the Italian-South African Chamber of Trade and Industries putting two Italian staples in the spotlight: rice and coffee.
Visitors can explore The World of Italian Rice, a multimedia exhibition celebrating the ingredient's place in Italy's food culture. Interactive display panels, virtual reality headsets and a sensory kit will offer a closer look at the country's rice-growing heritage, with opportunities to explore its stories through sight, touch and aroma.
Coffee lovers can head to The Italian Coffee Experience, where the focus shifts to the country's café culture. Expect coffee presentations, Italian coffee products and a closer look at the traditions behind everything from a freshly prepared espresso to the art of being an Italian barista.
There will be more than enough to keep festivalgoers busy between bites. A cooking demonstration stage will showcase culinary talent, while Italian Deli Online will host hands-on pizza- and pasta-making classes throughout the weekend.
The entertainment lineup includes Loren, Ariella, Double Espresso, Cape Town Culture Band, Gli Stranieri, Miki, Thandolwethu, Tribal Need (Ricardo Moretti) and DJ Dino Moran, with live music, opera, DJs and cultural performances scheduled across the festival.
Families can also make a day of it with a dedicated Kids Zone.
Saturday, 21 November, kicks off with a Coffee Rave at 9am in the Fountain Area, followed by live entertainment, rugby screenings and an evening party. Sunday brings more cultural performances and a relaxed festival atmosphere, with the event closing at 5pm0.
For those after a little extra, the VIP Experience Lounge, sponsored by Rialto, will offer additional food and wine experiences. These include olive oil and cheese tastings, a Vinotria wine masterclass and a live cooking demonstration by Chef Giuliano of Monticello Farm.
The festival also shines a light on the relationship between the two countries and the people, ingredients and traditions behind Italian food.
“Our aim is to bring Italian excellence closer to South African consumers, creating a greater appreciation for authentic Italian ingredients and the people, places, and traditions behind them,” says Massimiliano Tremiterra, director of the Italian Trade Commission in Johannesburg.
He adds that food can help build lasting cultural connections between Italy and South Africa.
Italy in Town is organised by the Italian South African Chamber of Trade and Industries, with support from the Consulate of Italy in Cape Town and the City of Cape Town.
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