WITHIN The Week of the Italian Cuisine in the World, the kick-start event of the festival took place in the covered court of San Pablo Apostol Parish in Tondo in November 2023 with the title, 'Fiesta con Gusto.' The event was anticipated by a press conference at the Manila City Hall in the presence of Mayor Maria Sheilah 'Honey' Lacuna and Italian Ambassador Marco Clemente.

The concept behind the street food event drew inspiration from the traditional peasant festivals in Italy, known as 'sagra,' and the Filipino fiesta. The celebratory moment of the Italian cuisine shared with the less privileged community of Tondo has been made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of five Italian restaurants (Caruso Ristorante, Cibo di Margarita Fores, Da Gianni, DiVino Ristorante and L'Opera), in conjunction with the participation of Bellini Ristorante.