A statue of the La Madonna will be the centrepiece of a procession winding its way from St Raphael's in Lowe Street to the Queanbeyan Showground at midday before a frenzy of dancing, spaghetti eating and pinata bashing gets underway.

Festival organiser, and one of the four founding members, Domenico Barilaro said there would be a pinata with lollies and money, egg and spoon races, sack races, Calabrese dancing and the annual spaghetti eating competition.

``Every year there are about 20 people involved in the spaghetti eating competition,'' he said.

``They have to put their hands behind their back, put their face into the spaghetti and when they finish they need to pick the plate up with their teeth.''

Making a return this year are the traditional Italian Calabrese dancers. A total of 16 dancers will take part in the dancing this year with seven girls, seven boys and the two organisers to entertain the crowd.

Meanwhile live music by Evergreen, with plenty of children's games and a visit from Santa Claus, will keep patrons excited.

Mr Barilaro said he was expecting a fantastic day and he invited all of Queanbeyan to celebrate with the Italian community on Sunday.

The festival will celebrate the 21st anniversary of the blessing of the Grotta Madonna at Carinya Street.

A mass at St Raphael's will be held by His Excellency Giuseppe Lazzarotto, Father Frank Leo and Father Evens.