VANCOUVER – It’s Italian Heritage Month in Canada, and there are initiatives in the name of ‘Italianness’ taking place almost every day throughout the country. One of these took place in Vancouver, British Columbia, on the initiative of Marzia Molatore, a well-known Italian-Canadian chef, creator of the “Bella Cibo” brand and author of the book  “Cooking With Mamma Marzia” which had great success in Canada and beyond. 

Marzia teaches Italian cuisine and thanks to her deep knowledge a taste of Italy has reached the heart of Langley, Vancouver, in Brookswood High School.

“A few weeks ago – Marzia tells us – I was contacted by three Italian ‘exchange’ students, Sofia, Sabina and Alice. They attend high school (Grade 12) in Italy and came to Canada from Italy in August 2023 to study English. And since June is Italian Heritage Month, they asked me, this year, if I could help them create an event to showcase authentic Italian cuisine at their English school, in Langley. I was very impressed by the girls’ idea: I have been teaching real Italian cuisine for eleven years, I wrote a cookbook and therefore I immediately said yes to this wonderful opportunity…”.

To make the event truly authentic, ‘Mamma Marzia’ opened her kitchen and, together with the Italian girls, “we prepared – she tells us – some Italian delicacies for the 200 guests expected at the school. It was an unforgettable Sunday…”. Yes, Sunday because this original celebration of Italian Day took place on June 4th, Sunday in fact, in the school library, transformed for the occasion into a lively center of Italian culture.

The centerpiece was a large table where Marzia led a pasta cooking class for each group of students. Two stations have been set up to allow students to try their hand at preparing pasta, thus immersing them in the art of Italian culinary traditions. The celebrations didn’t end there. A table dedicated to tiramisu, complete with a step-by-step guide, enticed guests to indulge in this beloved Italian dessert. And even a “moka station” showcased the art of preparing coffee, providing insights into Italian coffee culture. And to further involve students, games, memes, curiosities and even a pizza station were set up, guaranteeing an interactive and engaging experience.

The event began with a presentation by teacher Sarah Sommer, who shared the meaning of Italian Heritage Month. Through his captivating storytelling, she transported audiences to the heart of Italy, igniting a sense of appreciation and curiosity for the rich history and traditions.

The Italian Day celebration, organized by the three Italian exchange students, supported by their school and led by Marzia Molatore, brought a… slice of Italy to Brookswood High School.

“Through the fusion of cuisine, games, cultural insights – Marzia explains further –, this event not only educated, but also promoted appreciation for the beauty and diversity of Italian traditions. It served as a reminder that a shared passion for culture and connection can transcend borders and create unforgettable experiences…”.

‘Mamma Marzia’ concludes by thanking “infinitely Brookswood High School, Sarah Sommer, the coordinator, the Italian Cultural Center for lending us the decorations and all the Italian girls who helped us during the day”.

In the pics above, Marzia Molatore (centre) with Sabina and Sofia