GRIFFITH'S iconic Festa delle Salsicce might have been cancelled, but phones have been running hot for a low-key salami judging event to take its place.
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The annual festival, which was due to celebrate its 21st year this month, was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In June, organisers announced the sold-out festival would be shelved for 2020, but it hasn't stopped people keenly making salami.
Festival organiser Roy Catanzariti said he know there is still a lot of salami being made around Griffith right now.
"I'm getting people ringing me up saying 'even though we're not having the festival, can we still judge them'," he said.
"I know some people who would get 15 to 20 pigs which would make up 2000 salami."
The festival may definitely be off for 2020 and there will be no judging, but Mr Catanzariti said he was glad that the event had helped keep Italian traditions alive among the young and old.
"I find more young people are making salami now, before it was just the older people," he said.
"The young people all try and outdo each other."
Mr Catanzariti said there's a few different methods when it comes to making your own salami.
"You get a real good salami that's got more chilli, then there's others that have more salt," he said.
"Personally, I think it's all about the chilli content."
Mr Catanzariti said his salami-making days might be behind him, but he did have a few tricks under his belt when it comes to making this much-loved food.
"It's got to be tightly compacted in the sleeve that you put it in," he said.
"When you hang it it's important to have air flowing around. I used to hang mine in the shed."
More than 1200 people turned out for the 2019 festival, with 140 entrants from North Italy, South Italy and Australia jockeying for the coveted first place title.
Griffith's Frank Sergi beat out the competition and take top spot with a southern Italian-style salami, which blew away the judges with its lean and hot texture.
Joe Sergi and accountant Roy Spagnolo tied for second.
Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
