Festival Italiano in Joburg: A Month-long Lineup of Italian Culture and Lifestyle Events

Festival Italiano is a cultural initiative by the Italian Consulate General of Italy in Johannesburg, inviting Joburgers to immerse themselves in the passion of Italian food, music and dance through a month-long programme of events taking place from 27 September to 24 October 2026.

Festival Italiano programme breakdown:

Terraross Festival Italiano | What's on in Joburg

Southern Italy Folk Dances by TERRAROSS

Experience the energy and passion of Southern Italy with Terraross! For over 20 years, this vibrant ensemble has brought the irresistible rhythms, songs and traditions of Puglia and the Italian South to audiences around the world.

From the G7 in Borgo Egnazia to Moscow, Australia and Africa, Terraross turns every concert into a joyful and engaging celebration of Italian culture.

Opening the event are Paul and Christine Gioia, a brother-sister acoustic duo from Pretoria, celebrating their shared love of music and their Italian heritage. Longtime band musicians, they perform a blend of beloved Italian classics alongside American music.

Come for the music, stay for the energy!

Cost: R60pp, book via Quicket

When: Friday, 23 October 2026 from 7.30pm
Where: Italian Sporting Club, 7 Marais Rd, Bedfordview, Germiston

Mario Gaglione choreography Festival Italiano | What's on in Joburg

CINDERELLA TARANTELLA Musical

Cinderella Tarantella is a new production conceived by Mario Gaglione, associate choreographer of Joburg Ballet, blending classical and contemporary dance with the rhythmic energy of Apulian tarantella – an upbeat style of folk music hailing from southern Italy – played live by the folk group Terraross.

Performed by ten Joburg Ballet dancers, the roughly 60-minute piece reimagines the 17th-century Neapolitan Cinderella tale through music and movement, offering an immersive cultural exchange between Italy and South Africa.

Cost: R60pp, book via Quicket

When: Saturday, 24 October 2026 from 7.30pm
Where: Italian Sporting Club, 7 Marais Rd, Bedfordview, Germiston

Past events

SAGRA Italian Festival in Johannesburg | What's on in Joburg

Gourmet SAGRA – Cuisine and Lifestyle

Experience the flavours and music of Italy at SAGRA 2026, Johannesburg’s premier Italian food and lifestyle festival. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, wines, spritz and prosecco, alongside Italian fashion, leather goods and crafts.

Admire classic and modern Italian cars and motorbikes, while live music, entertainment and children’s activities create a vibrant family-friendly celebration of Italian culture.

Cost: From R120pp; R90 per child u/12; R30 per car (parking). Book via Quicket