On June 2, for the first time, Italy's Festa della Repubblica won't be celebrated just inside the walls of the consulates or embassies. Ciao Day is bringing it to Madison Square Park — a free, open-to-everyone Italian afternoon in the middle of the city, noon to 4pm, designed for New Yorkers. The park that already feels a little like a food Italian district, with Eataly right there on the corner, felt like the only right place.

There will be plenty of gelato from Sammontana, tricolor café tables, lemons and patterned linens, a southern Italian brass band, caricature artists, Italian storytime for kids, and a Mercato Italiano with free samples from Eataly, Rosetta Bakery, Ferrarini, and Café Carmellini.

June 2 will also be the first time New Yorkers can taste Sammontana's novelties — eleven new products (gelato bars, sandwiches, cones), all made in Italy, the only authentic Italian gelato in American freezers. First taste, in the park, on the day Italy celebrates itself.