by Nina Vaclavikova
Interviews: Serena Tonel, Deputy Mayor and Councilor for Economic Development, Theaters, and Major Events; Alberto Giorgi, Member of Confcommercio Trieste and representative of the Provincial Commerce Group
The first edition of SanGioFest, a community festival aimed at promoting local businesses and neighborhood life, will take place June 20–21 in the San Giovanni district.
The event was presented at City Hall by Deputy Mayor Serena Tonel alongside representatives from Confcommercio, the local parish, and neighborhood officials.
Centered along Via San Cilino, the festival will feature live music, food and wine stands, sports demonstrations, family activities and performances by local dance schools. Organizers say the initiative is designed to strengthen social ties within the neighborhood while providing greater visibility to local businesses.
Saturday’s program includes performances by the bands Mish Mash and I Soliti Pooh, as well as dance exhibitions by students from Società Ginnastica Triestina. Sunday’s schedule expands with children’s entertainment, pole dance demonstrations, dance performances and live music from Banda Berimbau, Dennis Fantina and Magazzino Commerciale.
Several local organizations and businesses will host information booths throughout the weekend.
The festival forms part of broader efforts by the municipality and Confcommercio to support neighborhood commercial districts and encourage community engagement in areas facing the effects of declining retail activity.
SanGioFest coincides with celebrations organized by the Parish of San Giovanni Decollato, including its traditional summer fair, religious services, a patron saint procession and the annual “Fogo de San Giovanni” bonfire. The parish festivities will conclude on June 27 with a concert for strings and organ at the Church of San Giovanni Decollato.
