The first Italian Street Food Charity Festival was held yesterday at Dorćol Platz, a unique event organized by the Association of Italian Industrialists – Confindustria Serbia, under the slogan “EAT. LOVE. DONATE.”
The festival brought together a large number of visitors who, while enjoying authentic Italian specialties and a lively atmosphere, contributed to a humanitarian campaign – raising funds for the National Association of Parents of Children with Cancer – NURDOR. For over 20 years, this organization has provided support to children battling cancer and their families, offering practical, emotional, and financial assistance.
The event was officially opened by Erik Košuta, First Vice President of Confindustria Serbia, H.E. Luca Gori, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to Serbia, Joland Korora, President of NURDOR, and Francesco Nicolai, Youth Coordinator at Confindustria Serbia.
Visitors had the opportunity to enjoy authentic Italian street food such as pizza, arancini, pasta, piadina, and more, accompanied by Italian music, while the youngest guests took part in a creative workshop organized by the educational-creative center Art Centrala.
Erik Košuta, First Vice President of Confindustria Serbia, welcomed visitors and expressed his pride in being part of the event’s organization:
“As Confindustria, we represent the Italian economy here, but when we have the opportunity to participate in such a noble initiative, it is a special honor for us,” Košuta stated.
Ambassador Luca Gori thanked Confindustria Serbia for initiating the event:
“Tonight, we’re experiencing a blend of Italian food and solidarity. Being Italian is not just about heritage – it’s about solidarity and friendship,” Gori said.
NURDOR President Joland Korora emphasized that their collaboration with Italy has been ongoing for 17 years, as children from Serbia are treated in Bologna:
“Currently, six of our families are undergoing treatment there. We visited a month ago and are doing something significant – we are saving children’s lives,” Korora said.
“This event demonstrated the power of unity and solidarity. Confindustria Serbia doesn’t only bring together companies and businesspeople – it also promotes values of community, responsibility, and compassion. We are proud that through this initiative we have connected Italian tradition, culture, and cuisine with a humanitarian cause – because we believe the business community should support the society in which it operates,” the organizers concluded.
