The Italian National Day’s Reception At The Museum Of Contemporary Art Australia

2
1731
Vivienne She attending the Italian National Day's Reception 2022 at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney.
Happily attending the Italian National Day's Reception 2022 at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Photo credit: Kent Johnson

On the occasion of the 76th Festa della Repubblica (the Italian National Day and Republic Day), the Consul General of Italy Andrea De Felip and Mrs Joy De Felip organised a reception on Friday the 3rd of June, at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Foundation Hall in Sydney. Kent and I were looking forward to attending this event the moment we received our invitations, not even the winter chill could put off our excitement. For this occasion, I chose a MaxMara gown to show my support of Made in Italy.

The Italian National Day's Reception 2022 at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney.
The event took place in the Foundation Hall of the Museum of Contemporary Art. Photo credit: Vivienne She
Consul General of Italy Andrea De Felip giving a speech at the Italian National Day's Reception 2022 in Sydney.
Consul General of Italy Andrea De Felip giving guests a speech at the reception. Photo credit: Vivienne She

The event took place in the Foundation Hall of the Museum of Contemporary Art. Guests were chatting in the space with a large screen projection over a low stage and rostrum at one end. We were soon asked to make a passage, to allow musicians to walk through the middle. This was followed by a didgeridoo performance to show respect to the traditional owners of the land and kicked off the celebration. Then followed by four violinists from Sydney Symphony Orchestra who played the Italian National Anthem. Next, came the host of the night, the Consul General of Italy Andrea De Felip, who gave us a speech. In his talks, Mr. De Felip mentioned Italy’s support for Ukraine, and after over two years of COVID, the Italian government is eager to bring the tourists back… ‘Viva l’Italia!’ as we cheered on after the speech. Now, time to mingle…

The Italian National Day's Reception 2022 at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney.
Waterside Terrace was the crowd’s favoured hangout area that night! Photo credit: Vivienne She

A big part of my excitement that night came from being able to interact with people face to face again. After over two years of COVID living, having experienced months of lockdown, we had enough of isolation. Italy’s National Day Reception gave us a chance to dress up and socialise; while enjoying Italy’s fine wine. The hall opened onto the outdoor Waterside Terrace where Italian company Illy had an espresso cart. A Rivareno Gelato stall was here too! Finger food such as fried chicken wings and mini arancini kept guests’ tummies warm and full. Perhaps being COVID conscious, or simply admiring VIVID Sydney’s colourful lights, this open-air area happened to be where the crowd hung out.

The Authentic Italian Table, part of the True Italian Taste project. The Italian National Day's Reception 2022 at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney.
The Authentic Italian Table, part of the True Italian Taste project. Photo credit: Vivienne She

Speaking of food and beverage, back in the hall, there was a display of a wide range of Made in Italy products, distributed across a table of quite some size – in the shape of Italy! Pasta, olive oil; canned tomatoes, Italian cheese… each was placed on top of its region on the map. Kent thought this presentation was very smart, and he did spend a lot of time taking it all in. We soon learned that it’s called the Authentic Italian Table, which is part of the True Italian Taste project. A worldwide series promoted and financed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation that aims to educate, and support certified Italian food and beverages outside of Italy. Yes, Italians are proud of their produce, and Italian food and culture have become very much a part of Australian life!

Vivienne She attending the Italian National Day's Reception 2022 at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney.
For the occasion, I wore a MaxMara gown to show my support of Made in Italy. Photo credit: Kent Johnson

Thank you to the Consulate General of Italy – Sydney for your kind invitation. Kent and I had a wonderful time. We look forward to seeing you again. Ciao for now!

Previous articleA Birthday Celebration At Darley’s Restaurant In The Blue Mountains
Next articleAt The VIP Viewing Of TAFE Fashion Design 2022 Graduate Collections
Vivienne She
Vivienne is an author, traveller, story teller, and occasionally a muse. Through White Caviar Life, you will share in her leisure activities, dining and travel experiences, and her fashion style tips that she hopes to inspire your way of living.

2 COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.