Grab your “passaporto” when you enter Ciao Italia Matthews and experience Italy brought to Matthews.

You will receive a vendor stamp whenever you purchase $10 or more with a vendor.

If your passaporto has been stamped by all of the vendors, present the fully stamped page at the Ciao Italia Matthews welcome booth and receive a voucher for a Ciao Italia Matthews tote bag or tee shirt.

in Italian culture, its food and music and learn about the history of Italy, the uniqueness of its regions and the impact Italy has had on the world.

Enjoy exquisite Italian food, wine, gelato and pastries, in the setting of an Italian piazza while listening to strolling musicians playing mandolin, accordion and violin.

A live demonstration on stage by Chef Raffaele Patrizi on how to make pasta from scratch!

Renowned sculptor Peter Rubino will create a 200 lb clay sculpture live on stage choreographed to music!

Frank Sinatra tribute…Band playing traditional Italian folk songs…Singers performing operatic and popular Italian songs…A pianist performing “Italian Ragtime”…a comedic act teaching Italian hand gestures, Italian words and phrases…and more...continuously throughout the day.

A selection of exotic Italian cars.

Opera Carolina accompanied by the Opera Carolina Orchestra performing opera’s greatest hits.