NEW CULTURAL EVENTS
Ballo Liscio
Social Dancing Nights
- Wednesdays, January 14 – April 29,
6:30 – 8:30pm
The Italian tradition of Ballo Liscio continues every Wednesday at Villa Charities. Join us for these popular social dancing nights featuring music by popular Italian DJs and musicians.
Price:
A ‘PAY WHAT YOU CAN’ EVENT
(Donations welcome at the door.)
Limited seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Location:
Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery,
Columbus Centre
Sausage Making Festa
- Sunday, February 1, 11:30am – 1:30pm
Experience the Italian tradition of sausage-making firsthand at our annual community Sagra della Salsiccia. Enjoy a pasta lunch and live music, plus receive 2 complimentary freshly made sausages to take home, courtesy of Villa Charities.
Price:
$10.00
Location:
Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre
A Catastrophe Lasting 500 Years
“Il disastro di Pavia” book lecture
- Tuesday, February 3, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Discover how one battle reshaped the course of European history at the lecture for “Il disastro di Pavia”, Professor Franco Pierno’s new Italian translation of Jean Giono’s book “Le désastre de Pavia”. The book revisits the Battle of Pavia of 1525, a pivotal moment that swept away medieval ideals of chivalry and ushered in the political forces that defined early modern Europe.
Professor Pierno will discuss the translation process, the historical significance of Giono’s 1963 book, and its continued cultural relevance. The evening will also include a Q&A, with book copies available for purchase while supplies last. Light refreshments will be served.
Price:
$5.00
Location:
Columbus Room, Columbus Centre
Presented in partnership with the University of Toronto Department of Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies.
Sponsored by the Emilio Goggio Chair in Italian.
Books and Biscotti
Poetry Reading and Discussion
- Wednesday, February 4, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Join us for a celebration of literature with an evening of poetry and music featuring Italian Canadian authors Josie Di Sciascio, Silvia Falsaperla, Maria Ferlisi, Bruce Hunter, and Josephine LoRe, with musical entertainment by Carmen Spada.
This free event is organized by the Association of Italian Canadian Writers. Space is limited. Coffee and biscotti will be served.
Price:
A ‘PAY WHAT YOU CAN’ EVENT
(Donations welcome at the door.)
Location:
Columbus Room,
Columbus Centre
Sponsored by the Association of Italian Canadian Writers.
Carnevale 2026
- Wednesday, February 11, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Step into the magic of Italy’s most iconic Carnival at our Carnevale celebration, inspired by the timeless tradition of the Carnevale di Venezia. This festive evening brings together culture, creativity, and fun for the whole family in a joyful Italian atmosphere.
Guests will be immersed in the sights and stories of Venetian Carnevale through engaging visuals, theatrical moments, and a special display of student-created masks. Children will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity during a hands-on Carnival mask-making workshop and enjoy face painting throughout the event.
Families are encouraged to come dressed in costume and fully embrace the spirit of Carnevale as we celebrate Italian language, culture, and imagination together.
Price:
A ‘PAY WHAT YOU CAN’ EVENT
(Donations welcome at the door.)
Location:
Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery,
Columbus Centre
Presented in partnership with Accademia dei Ragazzi and Leonardo da Vinci Academy
“Forgotten Italians”
Presentation by Konrad Eisenbichler
- Tuesday, February 17, 7:30 – 9:00pm
Explore the overlooked experiences of the Julian-Dalmatian exodus and the contributions of these Italian immigrants to Canadian society through “Forgotten Italians: Julian Dalmatian Writers and Artists in Canada,” a collection of articles edited by Professor Konrad Eisenbichler.
The evening will also feature a Q&A, with book copies available for purchase while supplies last.
Price:
$5.00
Location:
Columbus Room,
Columbus Centre
Presented in partnership with the Club Giuliano Dalmato di Toronto.
Strings of Italy
Festa Popolare
- Friday, February 27, 7:00 – 9:00pm
The talented Italian-Canadian musicians of Festa Popolare perform folk music from across the Italian peninsula and islands.
Featuring both centuries-old and modern instruments, the concert showcases the iconic sounds of the mandolin and violin alongside the guitar, mandola, chitarra battente, and more. From the charmingly simple to the stunning and virtuosic; from familiar favourites to surprising styles seldom heard outside Italy, this ensemble will bring the country’s rich musical heritage to the Columbus Centre for one unforgettable night.
Price:
$25.00 (Adults) / $20.00 (Seniors/Students)
Cash bar available.
Location:
Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery,
Columbus Centre
“The Other Half of the Apple”
Presentation by Konrad Eisenbichler
- Tuesday, April 7, 7:30 – 9:00pm
Hear about the experiences of Julian-Dalmatian immigrants in Canada through “The Other Half of the Apple: Conversations with Julian-Dalmation Immigrants in Canada, the USA, and Italy”, a book by Rosanna Turcinovich Giuricin documenting her meetings and conversations with members of this community. Originally published in Italian as “Esuli due volte”, the work reflects on themes of exile, identity, and belonging through personal stories shaped by migration and resettlement.
The evening will feature a presentation by Professor Konrad Eisenbichler, who translated the book into English, with remarks from Daniela Chiasson, President of the Club Giuliano Dalmato di Toronto. A Q&A will follow, with book copies available for purchase while supplies last. Light refreshments will be served.
Price:
$5.00
Location:
Columbus Room,
Columbus Centre.
In partnership with the Club Giuliano Dalmato di Toronto.
For more information, please contact:
Mirella Tersigni
Cultural Manager, Cultural Programming
Email: mtersigni@villacharities.com