World-famous singer Pupo to headline Caledon Italian Heritage Day event June 3

By Zachary Roman

A joyful celebration of Italian culture is taking place next month. 

On June 3, the Bolton Italian Cultural Centre is hosting “Caledon Italian Heritage Day” from 3 to 11 p.m. at the Albion Bolton Fairgrounds. The event will feature delicious food, musical performances, art, exhibits and a chance to celebrate and learn more about Italian culture. 

The Bolton Italian Cultural Centre is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and is doing so with a name change. Moving forward, the non-profit community group will be known as the Caledon Italian Cultural Centre, to better represent how it's inclusive of people from all around Caledon.

Ward 5 Councillor Tony Rosa explained that in 2017, the Government of Canada designated June as Italian Heritage Month in Canada, as an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the contributions of Italian Canadians.

Rosa said 40 per cent of Caledon's population is of Italian descent.

Pupo is a famous Italian vocalist who's on a world tour right now, and Rosa said it's quite an honour to have him come to Caledon and perform for Caledon Italian Heritage Day. He said it's cool to look at Pupo's list of cities on his tour and see Bolton in there. 

Anna Meo, president of the Bolton Italian Cultural Centre, said having Pupo perform at Caledon Italian Heritage Day will put Bolton on the map. 

Also performing at the event will be Roberta Battaglia, a local singer who had great success on the TV show America's Got Talent, where she won the Golden Buzzer. Rosa explained the costs for her performance are being sponsored by the new Fortinos grocery store that's going to be in Bolton by the end of this year.

“It was a very generous offer they made to us,” said Rosa.

Opening ceremonies will begin on the 3rd at 3:15 p.m. and will feature a traditional Italian procession from the Toronto Italian Marching Band. 

“There will be festivities throughout the day, all kinds of culinary delights, and different performances throughout the day,” said Rosa. “The headliners will start around 8:30 p.m. in the evening.”

Everyone is welcome to come to Caledon Italian Heritage Day, and people who aren't of Italian descent are especially encouraged to come. 

“It's wonderful for us as Italian Canadians to celebrate, but we'd love to share the rich culture and heritage of our ancestors with the rest of the community,” said Rosa. “We're super excited to bring this festival to the community.”

A crowd in the thousands is expected to pass through the event throughout the day, no doubt some travelling in to see Pupo. Appropriate measures are in place and there will be lots of parking available for guests.

Many local dignitaries will be at the event, such as Caledon Mayor Annette Groves, Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca, Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones, and Dufferin-Caledon MP Kyle Seeback.

Rosa himself will be performing music as part of the Trio Kings with Sebastian Carubia and Marco Marrone.

Volunteers are always welcome for the event, and anyone interested in volunteering at Caledon Italian Heritage Day can call 647-531-4975. Tickets for the event are available online at eventbrite.ca or by calling the number above. 

Tickets for adults are $43.45; tickets for seniors (65+) and students (13-17) are $38.15; and tickets for children 12 and under are $22.23.