国内英语新闻:Italian food festival kicks off in south China

GUANGZHOU, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Italian Food Festival opened Saturday in Guangdong, a southern Chinese province known for its culinary arts, to allow local foodies to feast on Italian foods and cultures without traveling to the European country.

The food event in Foshan city was organized by the Consulate General of Italy in Guangzhou and local Italian restaurants and companies.

Lucia Pasqualini, Consul General of Italy in Guangzhou, said the ties between Italy and southern China will be further enhanced by sharing common love and passion for food and high-quality cuisine. "If you can not go to Italy this year, we brought Italy to you here," she said at the festival.

Pizza competitions, kids' activities and concerts are scheduled during the two-day food festival, in which a variety of Italian food and wine would also be on display.

The two-day food festival is part of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, which runs from Nov. 23 to 29.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Italy, a slew of cultural events including movies, concerts and food festivals have been held in China this year.