It is with great pride and enthusiasm that again this year we are going to celebrate the 34th edition of the Italian week in Ottawa. The festivities will take place from the 5 to the 15 of June. We are convinced that the charm of Little Italy, Corso Italia and all the different social and cultural events will make Italian Week another unforgettable experience.

More specifically, for this edition, we have decided to organize the events by placing an emphasis on the region of Sicily in Italy, Italian associations of Ottawa and also Italian classical Music.

Among the activities, there will be a Sicilian play in the Sicilian dialect and is entitled The family full of problems; it will be presented by the theatrical group Trinacria of Montreal. In addition, the same group will bring with them a typical Sicilian cart, which will be displayed in various sites and – naturally we will also offer the possibility of tasting typical Sicilian foods.

As far as classical music is concerned, we will offer a concert in honour of Italian Classical Music we

are honored to have with us the Parkdale Orchestra of Ottawa that will play for us the famous triumphal March from the Aida by Giuseppe Verdi and other pieces by other famous Italian composers. As usual we will have the traditional St. Anthony's celebrations, the sports activities and the three final nights on Corso Italia, which will bring together music, food and many other activities.

Italian week has really grown over the last 3 decades and this is thanks to all of the sponsors and the many volunteers. In order to continue this tradition, we cordially invite you to participate and join the many members of our community that make this festival one of the best known events in the nation's capital. Your participation will be greatly appreciated and help us make this event unforgettable.

Show your sense of belonging and participate to our celebration this year!

For Ottawa's Italian Week,
Joe Cama
President Italian Week 2008