Community
6 April, 2024
Piccones back festival
THE Cairns Italian Festival is building momentum in its third year as Piccones IGA once again confirms its major sponsorship for 2024.
“It’s what Italians do, we support each other,” said John Piccone, director of Piccones IGA and a member of one of Cairns’ most beloved families – the Piccones.
Since the inception of the festival in 2022, Piccones has been the main sponsor and, according to festival president Claudio Di Bartolomeo, a “vital” support in making the event happen and promoting the event.
“We’re very grateful to have Piccones as our major sponsor once again this year. Their support is vital, John has been a big supporter of the festival, of the committee and of me since I took over this difficult role and what he does, not only for the festival, but the community in general is amazing,” Mr Di Bartolomeo.
Mr Piccone said the family was excited to support the event and be part of its evolution.
“My grandfather moved to Australia in 1925. Next year it’ll be 100 years since he came, and it’s part of our Italian heritage, of who we are. In Italy everyone looks after each other and that’s why we like to be a part of our community and why we like to give back,” he said.
“To us it’s fantastic to see how the festival has transformed from its first year, which was great, and a second year which was even better, and this year we have a younger leadership. Steve Cordenos (former president) did a wonderful job for the first two years but it’s good to see young blood come through keeping that Italian heritage.”
With the festival coming in July with a great catalogue of fun events for the community, Mr Piccone and Mr Di Bartolomeo invited the community to celebrate with a bit of Italian flair.
“My father always reminded us how fortunate we are to live in this region, and we are Italians, but above all we’re Australians and the Cairns Italian Festival is an opportunity to celebrate as Australians while also sharing our culture with the community,” Mr Piccone said.
“We’d like to showcase our culture and share this passion with everybody, so everyone is welcome to join in on the celebration, it’s real Italian food, real Italian music and you’ll feel like you’re in Italy for a day,” Mr Di Bartolomeo said.
For more information, visit www.cairnsitalianfestival.com.au
