It’s the most mouthwatering festival on our calendar—La Fiera, ‘The Fair’—a celebration of food, wine, fun, and Myrtleford’s Italian heritage. Timed perfectly to coincide with the Autumn harvest season, this annual festival feeds us with traditional home-cooked Italian favourites, entertains us with art, theatre, cinema and music, soothes us with award-winning wines crafted with Italian varietals, and connects us to a history that has helped shape this country town into a vibrant cultural hub.
It’s over 100 years since the first big wave of post-war Italian migrants made their way to Myrtleford to work the former tobacco fields of the valley, and while times have changed, the town’s Italian connection remains as rich as ever. La Fiera is a vibrant celebration of that heritage and one that has continued to evolve over its 16-year history. The festival runs over five fun-filled days (Thursday 15 May to Monday 19 May). Here’s what to expect in 2025.
La Festa
La Festa—‘The Party’—is the heart of La Fiera. Held on Saturday 17 May, this is where the fun spills onto the streets. The day starts with tradition: a mass in the piazza and a procession of the statue of Saint Anthony of Padua to Saint Mary’s Church. Many dress in traditional regional costume for this celebration. After the procession, La Festa begins. The main street is closed and filled with stalls of local wines, home-cooked Italian favourites like polenta, live music and entertainment, and fun for the kids, too! It’s a lively party that lasts all day and is best enjoyed with friends and family.
La Festa is the most ‘iconic’ part of La Fiera, but there’s plenty more to explore.
Il Mercarto on Sunday 18 May is a special Italian Farmers’ Market and another opportunity to taste the produce of the region. And an Italian cooking masterclass held by James Mele of The Meat Room and Elise Pulbrook from Masterchef will have you honing your own skills in the kitchen.
Always popular are the three-course set menus matched with Italian varietal wines on offer at the town’s wineries—Michelini’s, Gapsted and Bush Track. There is Italian cinema, theatre, an art exhibition and, of course, soccer! Don’t miss the La Fiera Cup on Sunday 18 May followed by an all-you-can-eat Italian feast at Club Savoy.
For the full La Fiera schedule, and to book tickets, visit lafiera.com.au. But be quick—this event always sells out.
