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Lygon Street Festa

This annual street festival was first held in 1978 when the influence of the Italian community was at its peak in Lygon Street. It was organised by the Carlton Traders' Association as an adjunct to the Italian Arts Festival. Lygon Street was closed to traffic between Elgin and Queensberry streets for the weekend of the festival to encourage the event's family and community spirit. The Festa is held annually in October, and celebrates Italian food and culture with music, street theatre, food stalls, entertainment, and traditional events such as dancing, waiters' race and greasy pole competition. The event was renamed Festa Primavera in 2004 and the focus moved to Argyle Square off Lygon Street.

Helen Penrose