How about hitting the road, popping over to Monte Sião, and checking out the 2nd Italian Festival – Viva La Nostra Gente? From September 4 to 6, with free admission, Prefeito Mário Zucato Square welcomes the public to celebrate Italian culture with plenty of food and music.
Although it’s located about 160 km from São Paulo, in the neighboring state of Minas Gerais, the drive usually takes about 3 hours. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the September 7 long weekend!
Produced by Elo Produções & Eventos, with support from the Monte Sião City Government, the idea is to offer an “Italian village” experience . The goal is to use the space to celebrate, above all, the roots of the immigrants who were part of the city’s history.
In addition to strengthening local businesses and even boosting regional tourism.
What can you expect from the Italian Festival – Viva La Nostra Gente in Monte Sião?
Like any good celebration of Italian heritage, music and culture are a must. So, in addition to good food and drink, the announced lineup includes big names in Italian music on the Programma Dei Concerti:
Friday (September 4)
- 7:00 p.m. – Official opening with dignitaries
- 8:00 p.m. – Concert with Enzo Schiani – Tribute to Eros Ramazzotti
Saturday (September 5)
- 12:00 p.m. – Lyra Band
- 3:00 p.m. – Around the World with Joel Gil
- 6:00 p.m. – Charity Bingo: 100% of proceeds go to the Monte Sião Animal Protection Association (APAMS)
- 7:50 p.m. – Tarantella performance by Cia. Allegro
- 8:00 p.m. – A spectacular special show featuring the quintessentially Italian TONY ANGELI and the Allegro dance troupe
Sunday (September 6)
- 12:00 p.m. – Around the World with Joel Gil
- 1:00 p.m. – Dança Vivarte
- 3:00 p.m. – Amigos da Viola
- 5:00 p.m. – Kids’ Scavenger Hunt
- 6:00 p.m. – Charity Bingo: 100% of proceeds go to the Monte Sião Animal Protection Association (APAMS)
- 8:00 p.m. – Special closing concert featuring Violeiros de Sion
While enjoying the festival, visitors can indulge at the food stalls offering the best of Italian cuisine, with traditional dishes such as fresh pasta, gnocchi, cannelloni, rondelle, fettuccine, spaghetti, and lasagna. And in addition, capeletti, sorrentino, polenta, Neapolitan pizza, focaccia, panini, and Italian snacks.
The main highlight and hit in Monte Sião is the square pasta with ice cream spaghetti, in addition to the handmade pasta and freshly prepared risotto .
To accompany the festivities, there will be a variety of wines, beers, caipirinhas, specialty drinks, and fresh juices.
Another highlight worth mentioning is the Charity Bingo, a tradition at Italian-style community festivals. According to the event organizers, 100% of the proceeds will go to APAMS—the Monte SiãoAnimal Protection Association .
The Chocolate Festival
Just like last year, the “Eu Amo Chocolate” Festival returns and takes place simultaneously on the same dates, at the same location, and during the same hours. In fact, this will be the perfect dessert for festival-goers, who will be able to sample a variety of chocolate treats.
Overall, showcasing Italy’s traditional desserts, Dolci Piazza promises a menu featuring cannoli, tiramisu, Italian straws, gelato in a variety of flavors, and other irresistible options.
Event Details:
- Event: 2nd Italian Festival – Viva La Nostra Gente and Eu Amo Chocolate Festival
- Date: September 4, 5, and 6, 2026
- Hours: Friday, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Location: Alameda da Praça Prefeito Mário Zucato – Downtown, Monte Sião (MG)
- Admission: free (so you only pay for what you consume at the party)
