By KATH GANNAWAY
LOOK who we are, look where we come from … look at what we have achieved together.
That’s the essence of the inaugural Benvenuti Festival to be held at Killara Estate in Seville on Sunday 13 March.
Hosted by the Yarra Valley Italian Cultural Group, the festival grew from a seed of inspiration in the mind and heart of Luigi Fotia.
“I grew up in the Yarra Valley and saw it as a land of milk and honey; wherever you go, there was produce being grown,” he said.
The festival is about more than food however, and it is not solely about the area’s Italian heritage – wonderful as it is!
“It’s not about anyone, it’s about us all,” Luigi said.
“We all have a part to play in the Yarra Valley and this festival will celebrate that.”
Benvenuti is Italian for ‘Welcome’, as is the ‘Womin Jake’ in the Indigenous language of the Wurundjeri.
The festival will celebrate the diversity of the Yarra Valley from the first Wurundjeri people to the waves of migrants who came to the Valley to build new lives.
It recognises that all have left their mark and honours their achievements.
As a free festival, it truly an accessible festival that encapsulates almost every aspect of life in the region’s diverse cultural make-up.
From cooking classes and poetry, to craft, farm machinery, photography, a vast range of international music, dance, textiles, food, weaving, chainsaw sculpture, demonstrations by local groups and clubs, stalls and produce, traditional children’s entertainment … and more.
Among many highlights is a cooking masterclass by TV presenter Tonia Todman (bookings required), popular ventriloquist and puppeteer, Lindi Jane, and Indigenous artist, Mandy Nicholson.
Great wines and meals will be available at Killara’s restaurant, and of course there will be international cuisine including Dutch poffertjes, Italian gelati, and fresh local fruit and berries.
Luigi said the festival would be a great opportunity for people across the Valley to come together to celebrate such a patchwork of diverse cultures.
“I guess, what we’re saying is we’re all living in this valley; we all create, we all work, we’re from different cultures and heritage, let’s celebrate that.”
The Benvenuti festival is on Sunday 13 March at Killara Estate from 10am to 5pm. Visit www.benvenuti.org.au for the full program, including event times and information on the various artists.
