Italian Week in Ottawa kicks off with flag raising

The Italian flag is raised at Ottawa City Hall to mark the start of Italian Week. June 5, 2025. (Mark Sutcliffe/X)

The Italian flag was raised at Ottawa City Hall Thursday to mark the start of Italian Week in the city.

Italian Week is the annual celebration of Ottawa’s Italian community.

A flag-raising ceremony was held Thursday morning, attended by Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, city councillors, and Italian ambassador to Canada Alessandro Cattaneo.

Italian Week is mainly celebrated on Preston Street, the heart of Ottawa’s Little Italy neighbourhood, where residents and visitors can experience Italian culture, music, art, and, of course, Italian food.

Opening weekend begins Friday, with live music and the Morin Supply Kids Zone.

Saturday features live music, arts and crafts such as making Venetian masks, Roman gladiator helmets or laurel crowns, and beaded bracelets.

Sunday features more live music, as well as the Feast of St. Anthony outdoor mass and luncheon at St. Anthony Church on Booth Street.

A full list of events can be found on italianweekottawa.ca.

Italian Week runs June 5 to 15.