Nelson Italian Festival
Nelson Italian Festival
The Nelson Italian Festival brings a slice of Italy to the top of the South — think delicious food, lively music, and a full-on celebration of la dolce vita, Kiwi-style.
Nelson is home to one of New Zealand’s largest Italian communities. Many of them emigrated from Southern Italy in the early 1900s, particularly from around Naples, including many from Massa Lubrense.
The city’s Italian population was centred around the Wood, whose land was extensively used for market gardens. Glasshouses were once a common sight across the suburb.
