By Sonia Di Placido
Corso Italia has been home to the Italian ethnic community in Toronto for over 50 years, and its initial business and cultural allure has developed throughout the latter half of the 20th century.

Over the past seven years the Corso Italia BIA has been proud to present the annual Corso Italia Toronto Fiesta-one of the particularly vibrant street celebrations taking place in the west central urban core of Toronto that attracts thousands of participants. The Corso Italia outdoor street party happens in conjunction with the Celebrate Toronto Street Festival, transforming five intersections along the world's longest strip - Yonge Street and St. Clair Ave. being one of them.

The festival takes place between Westmount and Lansdowne Ave. spanning a ten-block radius that includes St. Clair Ave. West. Cesar Palacio, one of the BIA members and co-founder of the Corso Italia Fiesta said "Seven years ago we had a dream: bringing life, excitement, and vitality to the heart of the city of Toronto, which would be Corso Italia; to make St. Clair West the best commercial strip in the West End, the jewel of the community, of Ward 17."

Palacio went on to claim that the festival has become extremely successful due to the European character of the neighbourhood, with its mixture of Spanish, Italian and Portuguese families co-habiting the area. "The Corso Italia Toronto Fiesta has become so successful that every year hundreds of thousands of people from all over come down to this part of town to enjoy not only the great food and superb entertainment but also the exceptional shops and friendly European hospitality, that translates into a great multi-cultural event."

Corso Italia Toronto Fiesta takes place over a three day period and is split into two parts: the Street Fiesta takes place on July 9 and 10 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.. This features a celebration of music where over 20 bands will perform live on street corners, patios and balconies. These include various types of music from classic Italian rock and folk to Spanish salsa and jazz. The Main Stage features musicians in Earlscourt Park on July 10 and 11 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.. Some of the performers include: Marco D'Amico, the Toronto All Star Big Band and Carlo Coppola.

A dynamic mix of foods will be presented by the many restaurants and cafes from the neighborhood for sampling and tasting. Corso Italia offers bakeries, bookstores, fashion boutiques, food markets, beauty salons, gift shops, jewelry stores and professional stores with 240 participants to explore as the Fiesta strives to heighten and revive its origins as a multi-ethnic marketplace by exuding Italian hospitality and recreating an authentic Italian atmosphere of celebration.

Admission to the festival is free. For more information visit www.torontofiesta.com www.torontocorsoitalia.com.