Anniversary Day is the celebration of all things Italian, held annually in early April at the New Italy Museum Complex.

Known as ‘Carnevale Italiano’ for several years, the original name has been restored and now Anniversary Day celebrates the arrival in Sydney in 1881, of the survivors of the failed Marquis de Rays expedition to New France.

On the day, there is music, dancing, singing, food, wine and many other activities.

It is a major fundraiser for the not for profit, volunteer run, New Italy Museum complex. All funds raised go towards the maintenance and improvement of the complex.

Many thanks also go to the small army of volunteers who turn up on the day to contribute their time and resources.

Some of these volunteers are descendants of the original New Italy settlers, and all enthusiastically embrace the ideals for which the New Italy Museum complex was established.

The event would not be viable without the support of our many generous sponsors and supporters.

Roadworks, bushfires, covid19 and floods have impacted us badly over these years. At times we were entirely closed to the public, where possible we re-opened with measures in place to protect our staff and visitors.

It was not feasible to hold our Anniversary Day celebration for these three years, so we were forced to cancel them.

In 2023 we are back and Anniversary Day 2023 was a great success.

All are warmly invited to Anniversary Day celebrations at New Italy for a day of food, music and dancing while exploring New Italy’s history. We are pleased to announce that Mike Grigoletti, from ComitEs NSW (Committee of Italians Abroad) will be joining us.

The day will begin at 11am with New Italy volunteers, Val Wills and Cynthia McKeough, on their piano accordions playing in the piazza. A pasta lunch will be served from midday. Back by popular demand is Brisbane-based Domenico Taraborelli who never fails to get the crowd up and dancing! Bring those dancing shoes!

Enjoy John Barnes’ talk about New Italy in the Community Hall and later a guided tour of the new Museum displays will take place. Lester Cooke will be on hand to help with genealogy questions about the New Italy settlers and descendants.

There will be children’s activities in the Pavilion plus salami wheels and other prizes to be won in the piazza throughout the afternoon. Entry is free with food and drinks available
at the Tastes of New Italy café. In addition Casa Vecchia gift shop with its beautiful imported Italian gift-ware will be open until the end of the festivities, at around 3.30pm.

See you there!

The 137th anniversary of the arrival of the New Italy settlers in Sydney was celebrated at New Italy with a pasta lunch provided by Americo Melchior and friends in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

With the new shade cloth over the piazza providing a cool place to eat and mingle with old friends and family, musical entertainment by Val Wills, the Sing Australia choir from Ballina and our talented local buskers.

Families caught up with each other and enjoyed all the recent changes that have happened at Historic New Italy. As well it was great opportunity to renew memberships and do some retail therapy at the Gift Shop!

Carnevale is just around the corner and great food is at the top of the menu.

Held annually, this very popular celebration will feature Italian wines, pasta and pizza. This year Carnevale will be held on Sunday the 10th April, starting at 9:30am.

Dot Randall

Preparing for the event requires lots of team work, and Dot Randall is one of the oldest volunteers at 83 years of age. She has been associated with the museum for many years and with her extensive knowledge of the local history and her inspiring ideas will make it a day to remember. You can find the former teacher volunteering at the museum and pavilion every Monday.

Please come and join us to celebrate Carnevale Italiano with Dot and members of our local community. This is one of our largest fund-raising events of the year, where entry is $8, but children under 14 are free.

This event celebrates the anniversary of the arrival of the initial 50 families who settled New Italy after landing in Australia in 1881. The talents of Australian/Italian will be on display this day with appearances by soprano Simone Nicole, the cabaret and keyboard skills of Robert Severini, accordion tunes by Val Wills and Art Phillips on guitar.

Art Phillips

Simone Nicole

Robert Severini

Val Willis

At 10am Father Slack will conduct Mass with hymns sung by the Lower Clarence Community Choir. They will then take to the main stage for another performance.

While here, you may enjoy tasty Italian food and wines, check out the salami wheels and try your luck at a raffle. Learn more about the history of our early settlers in the museum, tour the pavilion and even research your own family history in the genealogy section.

There is a tradition dating back to 1936, where Giacomo Piccoli planted a tree in the Park of Peace. Another tree will be planted this year to continue that tradition.