Five Dock will be transformed into a slice of Sicily this Saturday, 14 February, as locals and visitors gather at Fred Kelly Place for a lively celebration of one of Italy’s most cherished food traditions: making passata.
Hosted by Sicilian Food Tours in partnership with the City of Canada Bay, the Five Dock Passata Making Day promises a handson, family-friendly experience
that blends food, storytelling and community spirit. Led by local host Carmel Ruggeri, the event invites participants to learn the simple but time-honoured art of turning fresh tomatoes into rich, velvety sauce, a ritual that has been passed down through generations of Italian families.
Throughout the morning, Fred Kelly Place will buzz as it is transformed into a “passata production line”. Short 45-minute sessions will run between 9am and 12.45pm, with small groups guided step-by-step through the process, from preparing the tomatoes to bottling the final product. Spaces are limited to 15 people per session, and tickets are essential.
For those lucky enough to secure a $25 ticket, the experience offers far more than a cooking class. Participants will take home their own bottle of freshly made passata, enjoy a bowl of pasta, receive a tomato plant and recipe card, and even be treated to a surprise Italian dessert, a package valued at more than $200.
But you don’t need a ticket to soak up the atmosphere. Passers-by are encouraged to stop, watch the live demonstrations, enjoy the sights and sounds of the square, and browse Italian-themed stalls offering food and goodies on the day. It’s an open invitation to share in the warmth and generosity that define Italian hospitality.
The event wraps up around 1.30pm and is proudly supported by the City of Canada Bay and Sydney Metro, highlighting the role of local partnerships in bringing communities together through culture and food.
Tickets and session times can be booked online at bit.ly/passataday2026.
