It’s not just one day that’s been set aside to celebrate Italian culture. In May, a federal motion was passed to recognize June as Italian Heritage Month across Canada. That means there are many more events happening across the city on either side of Italian Day.
Guido Grasso
The Montreal-based comedian will be performing exclusively at Federico’s Supper Club today (June 8) to warm up the Drive for Italian Day. Tickets include a three-course dinner, live music and dancing.
Tickets $59, reserve seats at federicossupperclub.com or 604-251-3473.
Italian cinema
The Rio Theatre, in collaboration with the Il Centro Italian community centre kicks off a series of Italian movies today (June 8), including the classic Cinema Paradiso. Here’s the full lineup:
June 8: Suspiria (9:30pm)
June 9: The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (11:30pm)
June 10: Brotherhood: A Life with St. Francis (1:30pm)
June 12: Amarcord (6:30pm)
June 13: Cinema Paradiso (6:30pm)
June 14: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow (6:30pm)
June 16: At War for Love (6:30pm)
See riotheatre.ca for more details.
Top chefs team up
The Italian Chamber of Commerce hosts top Vancouver chefs Pino Posteraro and Angus An at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel on June 22. Stars of Vancouver’s culinary scene, Posteraro and An will present dishes created using Italian ingredients labelled DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) and IGP (Protected Geographical Indication). The evening will also feature a wine reception and silent auction.
Tickets $145 via Eventbrite.
Celebration centre
Il Centro, the Italian Cultural Centre, has put together a month of events to celebrate, promote and share Italian culture, language and heritage. Events include free outdoor movie screenings, dinners, festas, live music, cooking classes and farmers markets.
The centre continues its Caboto Series of events – named after explorer Giovanni Caboto, who discovered Canada – to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday with special multicultural events. During June, Il Centro’s museum will host an Italian and Cantonese opera exhibition.
The International Jazz Festival will also spotlight Italian jazz at the centre on June 23, 24, 30 and July 1.
For more details, see italianculturalcentre.ca.
Heritage soccer
The Vancouver Whitecaps will celebrate Italian Heritage Night for its match against New York City FC, in recognition of Italy’s many great soccer players, including New York’s Andrea Pirlo. The match kicks off at 7pm on July 5 with special promotional tickets available for $27, $35 or $55 via italianday.ca/italian-heritage-night-2.
