Visitors will have a chance to enjoy delicacies made by Italian chefs.

“The event is held annually to introduce the quintessence of Italian food, wine and culture; and enhance the exchange and friendship between two peoples,” Italian Ambassador Cecilia Piccioni said.

The two-day festival will feature Italian food, wine, music, culture and entertainment experiences including live music, lucky draws and cooking/eating competitions.

Beside popular Italian dishes such as tiramisu, pizza and pasta, gourmands will have a chance to try authentic Italian courses that are not widely available in Viet Nam such as homemade pancetta (Italian bacon), homemade corned beef, cottage cheese, beetroot hummus, pizze fritte and focaccia. Diva Hong Nhung as well as Vietnamese and Italian opera singers will perform at the programme.

Two fashion shows featuring menswear and womenswear by Emporio Armani and Canali will be held at the festival, and young footballers will have the chance to play under the guidance of the Juventus Academy.

On the occasion, Piccioni will join two seminars held at the Ha Noi University of Science and Technology and Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam to talk about co-operation between the two countries.

The festival is one of the activities being held this year to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of Viet Nam - Italy diplomatic relation (March 23, 1973). It is organised annually in Viet Nam as part of a broader initiative promoted by the Italian Government worldwide — the Week of Italian Gastronomy.