Five Dock came alive this weekend with the sights, sounds, and aromas of Italy, as the community gathered to celebrate the beloved Italian tradition of passata making. The event, held in the heart of Five Dock Square, was a collaboration between Sicilian Food Tours and the City of Canada Bay Council, bringing together locals for a day steeped in culture, nostalgia, and culinary delight.
From early morning, the square in front of Coles was transformed into a bustling hub of activity. The air was filled with the rich, comforting scent of tomatoes simmering, while a DJ spun classic Italian tunes that kept the crowd energized and smiling. Children ran between the stalls, faces dotted with red stains from freshly crushed tomatoes, echoing memories of traditional family gatherings that have been passed down through generations.
At the centre of the festivities was Carmel Ruggeri, whose passion and dedication made the event possible. Ruggeri, who grew up helping her family make passata, brought the age-old practice to life on the streets, teaching locals how to prepare the tomato puree from scratch. “Who would have thought that after years of trying to escape making passata with my parents, I’d end up teaching it to the community?” she said with a laugh.
Guests had the chance to learn the full process, from crushing heirloom tomatoes provided generously by JD Providore, to bottling and seasoning the fresh passata.
Many bottles were also given away, allowing participants to take home a taste of authentic Italian tradition. In addition to passata, the event featured a variety of Italian treats available for purchase, including the festa favourite Mustazzoli, delighting both the young and the young at heart.
The event was more than just a cooking demonstration—it was a celebration of memory and heritage. Attendees reminisced about the sights and sounds of traditional passata-making days: the high stacks of tomatoes, the rhythmic turning of the machine, and the playful chaos of children and grandparents alike. For many, it was a rare opportunity to reconnect with a practice that has become less common but is deeply cherished.
City of Canada Bay Councillor representatives and Sydney Metro were also on hand, highlighting the importance of community-driven cultural events that strengthen local ties. “It takes one person with heart, with nostalgia in their veins and tradition in their hands, to bring a day like this back to life,” Ruggeri said, reflecting on the spirit of the day.
By the afternoon, the square buzzed with joy, laughter, and the unmistakable taste of freshly made Italian passata. Sicilian Food Tours’ initiative reminded everyone why traditions endure—not just through recipes, but through the stories and memories shared across generations.
Passata Day in Five Dock was a celebration of food, family, and heritage—a testament to the enduring power of Italian culture in Sydney’s community.
