The Festival Italiano, which opened on Thursday at Columbia Circle in Shanghai, is providing an authentic Italian experience and continuing to entertain Shanghai visitors until Sunday.

The festival, organized by the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce, with the patronage of the Italian Consulate General of Shanghai, represents the second Italian collective open-air initiative at the Columbia Circle this year, after the Festival of Italian Taste held in May.

“We are trying to recreate the joyful atmosphere of an Italian piazza in this vibrant metropolis,” said Michele Cecchi, Italian consul general in Shanghai. “It is also a small contribution to the commendable efforts of the Shanghai authorities to bring the city back to normal and let the citizens enjoy again the charming outdoor spaces of Shanghai, while ensuring the highest standards of safety and the respect of all the health measures.”

The Italian experience is offered to the public with a journey through the charms that make Italy a global benchmark in everything from food and cars to fashion and football.

“This is Italy. These are the features that make Italy renowned and appreciated worldwide,” Cecchi said.

Open from 11am to 9pm, the market gathers renowned Italian food and beverage brands and restaurants offering true Italian flavors from cheese, wine and beer to gelato.

“The Festival Italiano is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect Italian food lovers in Shanghai. Besides, it gathers so many famous brands in a format that recalls so closely the typical lively summer bazaars, a truly Italian lifestyle delight,” said Edoardo Noce, marketing manger of Fabbri 1905, a company famous for refreshing syrups.

Besides the open market, a special fashion performance at 5pm on Saturday will help visitors understand how a real fashion show works. It will be followed by Italian aperitivo hours and live music. Families with children will have chances to take part in drawing contests and youth football training with an Italian coach.