On January 27, 2024, Revival Night Club in Toronto’s Little Italy transformed into something truly magical. The space encapsulated la dolce vita—the sweet life – as we celebrated was the first-ever SERATA – an authentic Italian experience rooted in the concept of “a night out among friends.”
From the moment guests walked through the doors, the atmosphere felt alive. The scent of authentic Italian food filled the air, glasses clinked with “Serata” spritzes, and the dance floor came alive as DJ Pulsar spun a mix of modern and classic Italian hits. For one night, it felt like we had brought a little piece of Italy right into the heart of Toronto.
SERATA was born out of a collaboration between Viva la Dolce and Musica Toronto (Italian-Canadian music blog run by Erica Vardaro and Rob Vardaro). Together, we wanted to create an experience that went beyond nostalgia—something that would allow Italian-Canadians and Italian culture enthusiasts to celebrate Italy’s beauty and evolution in an authentic way.
For me, this event was deeply personal. Growing up Italian-Canadian, I’ve always felt a strong connection to the traditions passed down from my parents and grandparents. However, I (along with my SERATA team) have also come to realize how important it is to embrace today’s Italy—the modern music, the new styles, the evolving culture. SERATA was a way to bridge those worlds: honoring our roots while celebrating the Italy of now. We danced, we laughed, we connected. But most of all, we celebrated what it means to be part of this incredible heritage—one that continues to grow, change, and inspire.
As I looked around the room that night, seeing people of all ages smiling, singing along, and sharing in the joy of the moment, I knew this was just the beginning. SERATA isn’t just an event; it’s a movement to keep Italian culture alive and relevant for future generations.
