It's that time of the year to show your love for all things Italian and celebrate la dolce vita - the sweet life.

This Saturday, May 30, marks the highlight of Italian Week celebrations - Tutti in Piazza in Wollongong's Crown Street Mall.

All the sights, sounds and delicious smells associated with Italy will come to the fore, as the mall is transformed into an Italian piazza. There will be plenty of food, music and many displays and entertainment provided by local students and artists.

Tutti in Piazza runs from 9.30am-4pm and is organised by the Illawarra Association of Teachers of Italian, with the support of local Italian and Italo-Australian associations and Destination Wollongong.

Italian Week officially launched with a IATI afternoon tea, Spotlight on Italy, held at Centro CBD on May 23.

On Wednesday,May 27, IATI will hold its annual primary school luncheon for students studying Italian at the Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow and at 8pm the Wongawilli Colonial Dance Club will get everyone up and dancing at Italian Folka Danza. Cost is $3 for adults, children free.

An Italian Mass will be held at St John Vianney's Co-Cathedral in Fairy Meadow at 10am on Sunday. From 1pm-4pm on the same day, Italian culture will be celebrated at the Wollongong Art Gallery, featuring music by David De Santi and Zumpa and talk by Che Cosa curator David Capra.

The festivities continue with an Italian Day on June 1, organised by the Country Women's Association and a IATI trivia night on June 2 at the Fraternity Club.

Italian Week celebrations will conclude with Pizza, Ciambelle e Tombola at the ItSoWel hall, Stewart St on June 3 at 10.30am.

Information: 4225 1144 or email iati@speedlink.com