SALAMI FESTA

ON HOLD.


Dear Salami Army,
It is with a heavy heart that we advise that due to the COVID pandemic we will not be proceeding with the Melbourne Salami Festa. The safety of our whole community including our volunteers, competition participants and patrons - remains our highest priority.
With this pandemic presenting a serious threat to everyone's health, we continue to act in accordance with the current Government restrictions designed to keep us all safe. This means planning and preparation for the event cannot proceed.
We don't know how long these Government restrictions will be in place, but we do know that we have to do everything in our power to stop the spread of COVID-19. I'm optimistic that this event will return when it is safe to do so and be a joyful celebration filled with community spirit. We sincerely hope you can join us at this time. Until then, please take care of yourselves, your family and your friends.
In salami we trust.

ABOUT SALAMI FESTA

Every winter in Australia, in cold garages, sheds or kitchens across almost every suburb in every town or city you will find a family or group of friends toiling away carrying on with an ancient tradition. Salami making. A true ‘nose to tail’ philosophy where an animal’s value is truly appreciated and nothing goes to waste.

Although Italians and other European nationalities who emigrated to Australia continued and brought over this tradition with them, the coming together or celebration part of the ritual had all but vanished. That was until a group of friends in Melbourne’s northern suburbs decided that the celebration was just as important a part of the ritual as the making. Why? Because when people come together they share things. They share knowledge, experiences and stories. We can enrich each other and learn from each other and this is the essence of a strong community. The Melbourne Salami Festa’s aim is to ensure that this tradition’s future is assured and to revive an important part of the ritual and share it with all of Melbourne.

This year, Welcome to Thornbury will be transformed into a salumi tasting hall with some of Australia’s best artisan brands displaying and selling their product. A few of Melbourne’s top restaurants will also have mini pop up versions of themselves while live music plays on the main stage. For those keen on learning a thing or two there will be various demonstrations that cover breaking down the pig, to making salami and mortadella. But of course the heroes of the day are the makers who have entered the competition so you’ll have the chance to meet the families competing, taste their wares and learn their secrets.

AWARD CATEGORIES

There are 4 awards up for grabs at the Melbourne Salami Festa:

JUDGES CHOICE

Our expert judging panel rate each entry out of 20 in the areas Taste, Aroma, Density and Colour.

PEOPLE'S CHOICE

On Grand Final day the public are invited to cast their vote for their favourite salami. Attend on Sunday and make your vote count. If you purchase a ticket to the Opening Night Party you can taste the competition salami and cast your vote ahead of the crowds.

THE SPIRITS OF SALAMI AWARD

A High Commendation awarded to a team, person, or entry that deserves a special mention.

SUBURB OF ORIGIN AWARD

Awarded to the suburb that accumulates the most amount of points from the judges.

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY: