Alberto Macchione stands in the ‘white wash’ of what was once the dearly loved ‘Norton Street Italian Festa’. Whilst not criticizing the diversity or the multiculturalism of the Norton Street Festival, one can be disappointed at the sight of Chinese cars and Vietnamese food in what is entitled the Norton Street ‘Italian’ Festa.
The 2023 Festa is more indicative of the gentrification of Leichhardt than anything authentically Italian. Just like the Leichhardt precinct that surrounds it, the festival has been slowly appropriated by anglo-saxon inner westerners who prefer a bahn-mi to a baccalà, and long-term proponents of the Festa are losing face.
Daniela, a second-generation Italian who travelled to attend the Festa for most of the 30 years of its existence was disappointed at the activities and the lack of visitors saying that it “Didn’t have the usual vibe”. A lack of stalls and lack of entertainment weren’t the only disappointments as Italians of all ages were saddened by the lack of authenticity. Joanne C was very vocal on social media saying that “the cooking demonstrations were disappointing” after seeing one such exhibition featuring how to make a mokka coffee.
Much loved entertainer Grant Galea, took aim at the organisers also, saying “They don’t like spending money on entertainment!” after perhaps the most listless line up in program history. Visiting international singer Romina Perri added to this saying “ I would’ve loved to sing there. I sang in many Italian festas like this in the USA, since I was little. What surprises me is that is only one day? And only 10am to 5pm? that’s more like office hours, (Laughs) In the US that would never fly. The hours for the Italian Festivals in USA are usually noon to 9pm or 10pm, so that the people have the entire day to enjoy the music and festivities.” One of the most popular stall holders commented on the rumours that the Festa may wrap up for good, stating “It’s a shame if it’s true. It’s great for the businesses on Norton St. The organisers put a lot of work into it but they need sponsors to get on board”.
Another common criticism is that the Festival doesn’t provide enough variety year on year with similar singers, similar stall holders and similar attractions repeated at every event. One example is that the same car club, who although they do a wonderful job exhibiting, get the nod every single year. There are literally dozens of Italian motoring clubs that can be invited and never are, which would mix things up year to year or help grow the festival. The same can be said for the musicians on the eastern end right through to the carnival rides at the western end. People aren’t going to come for the same ‘stale bread’ year after year after year and many have spoken to me or written to me with that exact sentiment.
The Festa’s future currently hangs in the balance unless more funding is found and meanwhile there are rumblings from other councils that they may jump in with their own Italian festival in 2025. In the meantime the Festival organisers need to look beyond their very narrow catchment of commercial and ‘cultural’ partners and open up on media partners, business partners and connect with Italian arts and community groups who currently have little to no influence on how they are being represented.
What many within the established Italian community are missing, is that the days of Saturday Morning Radio, the old guard of Italian associations and media outlets belong to a generation of Nonnos and Nonnas who are diminishing along with the institutions that they patronize. The Italian community has moved on to new media representation (the Italian radio is no longer even on FM radio for example and how many nonnos have DAB plus?) The new Italian institutions support a younger, more vibrant, family-friendly future for the new generations of Italians that are largely ignored by the dinosaurs of the existing Italian community.
The organisers need to open their arms and embrace everybody or end up with more French Bulldog parades, which the Festa seems to be at the moment. Many of the musicians who did perform were wonderful and many of the stalls were eye opening, however there was too little of it and it was more sizzle than bistecca. Italians demand more variety, more authenticity, and fewer French Bulldogs. Or perhaps it is fitting that this festival truly has gone to the dogs. (A.M.)
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