festa di santa giovanna
Patron saint of Thornbury, spritz and good times, Santa Giovanna embodies everything we’re passionate about - community, food, booze and music! Each year in May we throw a week long party in celebration of our beloved Saint. Like any good party, this festa is really just an excuse to get our local ‘hood engaged on both a creative and mischievous level… preferably both at the same time. But most importantly, these events assist us in raising important funds which go towards funding our community initiative, Nostra Comunità.
Photo credit: HiSylvia Photography
our community program
The Umberto Group is committed to giving back to our community and that’s why we have developed an initiative we call La Nostra Comunità (Our Community). We believe everyone has a responsibility to make our world a better place in whatever capacity they can. We made a decision to start locally, supporting causes that are close to our hearts and align with what we’re about.
We are proud to support our partners:
DIVRS (Darebin Information, Volunteer and Resource Services)A not-for-profit volunteer driven organisation that delivers free services and programs for vulnerable populations in Darebin, reducing financial crisis, social isolation and barriers to accessing community information.
ASRC (Asylum Seeker Resource Centre)
An independent not-for-profit organisation whose programs support and empower people seeking asylum to maximise their own physical, mental and social well-being.
giovanna’s story
Giovanna Capellini (born 29 May 1628, died 1 November 1666) now referred to as Santa Giovanna, grew up in Rosarno, Calabria, was raised by nuns and ran away from the orphanage at the tender age of 13. Often victimised for her lack of traceability to a family ‘line’ or legacy, Giovanna’s drive to feel connected to wherever she settled and her need to contribute positively to the community was inspiring to say the least.
S.Giovanna helped found numerous festivals across several Italian towns during the Italian Renaissance period. S.Giovanna has never been formally recognised as a saint by the church, however her popularity amongst people of the ‘paesi’ (towns) across Italy and her ability to work hard, engage community and celebrate the coming together of all classes is to this day acknowledged as saintly.
Tragically, S. Giovanna died as a result of a mysterious poisoning at a local festa. Some say the malocchio (evil eye) had finally caught up with her. Ironically it was the celebration of all celebrations. All Saints Day.
