ITALIAN culture and history came to the fore at a celebration of the country's national day in Leeton last Saturday.
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An evening to mark Italian Republic Day attracted many residents, who were able to feast on a range of Italian food.
The Italo-Australian Ladies Committee served up anti-pasto, penne pasta with napolitano sauce, alternating beef dishes with vegies, tiramisu and coffee, and home-made biscuits.
To work off the meal singer Fortunato Isgro had people up and dancing throughout the night, said committee president Maria Tripodi.
"We had about 120 people there, which we were really happy about," she said.
"The highlight as always was the entertainment ... Fortunato was again a favourite with the crowd and he played all night.
"He wears off on everyone and they can't help but enjoy it."
Italian Republic Day is held each year on June 2 to mark the anniversary of the country becoming a republic.
A referendum was held following World War II, with Italians rejecting the monarchy to become independent and start the modernisation of the country.
Mrs Tripodi said the night went off without a hitch.
"Our committee members were there dressed in the traditional outfit and that also adds to the night," she said.
"It was a good way to mark republic day.
"Hopefully in the coming years we have a lot more younger people coming along too."
