Irish Fest in Casalattico – A Celebration of Shared Heritage and Flavours

Every August, the picturesque town of Casalattico transforms into a vibrant hub of Irish culture. Nestled high in the pre-Apennine mountain range, this small town with deep connections to Ireland hosts the annual Irish Fest, a celebration of all things Irish. This year, as the sun rose on August 14th, the town once again welcomed visitors with open arms, music, dance, and, of course, a feast of Irish culinary delights!

A Historic Connection Between Casalattico and Ireland

Casalattico, a town with a winter population that swells in the summer months, has a rich history intertwined with Ireland. Many locals emigrated to Ireland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, laying down roots that are still cherished today. It is estimated that up to 8,000 Irish-Italians can trace their ancestry back to Casalattico and the surrounding Valle de Comino. Family names like Macari, and Borza have become well-known across Ireland, with many descendants continuing to honor their dual heritage.

Each year, the Irish Fest in Casalattico celebrates these connections, with Irish folk music, traditional dance, and local artists showcasing the enduring bond between these two cultures. This year, the festival began with a full Irish breakfast, featuring bacon, sausages, black and white pudding, and baked beans – all sourced directly from Ireland. The day was filled with music from “The Groove Machine,” a band hailing from Blessington Co. Wicklow, and plenty of dancing as the community came together to celebrate.

Kepak Foodservice – Proud Sponsors of Irish Fest

For over two decades, Kepak Foodservice has been a proud sponsor of the Irish Fest in Casalattico, providing a taste of Ireland for the festival’s attendees. This year, we were thrilled to feature some of our most beloved products, bringing the flavours of Ireland to the heart of Italy.

Big Al’s Prime Burger – A Festival Favourite

The star of the show was undoubtedly Big Al’s Prime Burger. Made from 100% Irish beef, these burgers were a hit among festival-goers. Grilled to perfection and served with all the trimmings, the Prime Burger offered a mouthwatering taste of Ireland that left everyone coming back for more. Whether enjoyed with a pint or a simple ‘acqua frizzante’, these burgers brought a slice of home to those far from Ireland.

Chicken Tenders – Always Popular

Another highlight from Kepak’s offerings was our ever-popular Big Al’s Chicken Tenders. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these tenders were a perfect snack for those enjoying the festival’s lively atmosphere. Paired with a variety of dipping sauces, they were a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Karaage Chicken Bites – A Taste of Fusion

This year, we were thrilled to introduce a new addition to the festival menu: Big Al’s Karaage Chicken Bites. Inspired by traditional Japanese cuisine, these succulent, bite-sized pieces of chicken are marinated in a blend of authentic spices and coated in a light, crispy batter that delivers an irresistible crunch. The Karaage Chicken Bites offered festival-goers a deliciously different taste experience, perfectly complementing the classic Irish flavours on offer. They quickly became a crowd favourite, highlighting Kepak Foodservice’s dedication to bringing diverse and exciting flavours to every occasion!

If you missed the festival or just want to relive the deliciousness, you can explore our featured products here.

Discover the Big Al’s Range

Looking Ahead

The Irish Fest in Casalattico is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of a shared heritage, a testament to the enduring bonds between two cultures. As we reflect on this year’s event, we at Kepak Foodservice are already looking forward to next year’s festivities. We are proud to continue supporting this wonderful event and are excited to bring even more of Ireland’s best food to the festival in the years to come.

A huge congratulations to the organizers for another successful event, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended. Here’s to many more years of celebrating our shared passion – amazing food and the vibrant cultures that bring us together!