By Letizia Tesi
If there’s anything Italians living abroad aren’t in short supply of, it’s pride in being Italian. Identity and sense of belonging can become a state of beingness, with the events and achievements that have marked the history of our nation being met with indifference and rhetoric and at times being downplayed in the homeland.
Like June 2, the Festa della Repubblica, Italy’s birthday, this year celebrates 65 years.
In Ontario, pride in being Italian has become law, and celebrating, during the month of June, a right, thanks to two MPPs of Italian origins: Mario Sergio and Rosario Marchese, and to MPP Peter Shurman – who last year helped approve Bill 103, declaring June Italian Heritage Month.
And while Texas attempts to imitate Canada, and other provinces are taking Ontario’s example, associations and other organizations across the GTA most-representative of the Italian community have collaborated in putting together a schedule of events presented yesterday morning at Queen’s Park, in the presence of Italian ambassador Andrea Meloni and Consul General Gianni Bardini. Doing the honours and introducing the various association representatives was Mario Sergio, who defined the celebrations to be held in June as “historic”. Rosario Marchese focused on the uniqueness of Canada’s social makeup – a nation where the various communities not only manage to co-exist, but also to transform the diversity into a shared value. “This is why,” Marchese emphasized, “the month of June will not only be a celebration for Italians, but also for other communities.”
“I’m very happy to be with you today. The month of June will be exciting,” said Peter Shurman in perfect Italian. He is MPP for Thornhill “where 10% of our province’s Italians live. I’m happy and honoured,” the MPP continued in English, “to celebrate the month dedicated to Italianità, because it isn’t just a metaphor saying Italian immigrants built this country, but historical fact.”
When Tibollo, the new president of the National Congress of Italian Canadians-Toronto District spoke, he first underlined the importance and uniqueness of Italian Heritage Month, the first initiative of its kind to be recognized at the legislative level.
“The approval of the law is a dream come true,” said Tibollo, who thanked Pal Di Iulio, Alberto di Giovanni, Mario Paura, and Gino Cucchi – they are representatives of the main organizations (executive director of Villa Charaities, director of Centro Scuola e Cultura Italiana, vice president of the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association, and president of COMITES, respectively) which, along with the Congress, made the June scheduling possible.
Tibollo went on to underline how thanks to the law approved last year, “without which we wouldn’t be here today,” the celebrations will include other cities in Ontario, such as Ottawa, Thunder Bay, and Oshawa, and outside the province as well, such as Vancouver, Montreal, and Halifax. Tibollo then pointed out how Italian Heritage Month is an event for the entire community – its realization is the sum of efforts of many people, associations, and not lastly, over 100 volunteers.
Ambassador Meloni acknowledged the National Congress of Italian Canadians, other community associations, and Parliamentarians who deserve credit for having created a program to be proud of. The ambassador focused on the quality of the organized events that mirror the value and richness of our traditional culture, like the exhibit dedicated to artists inspired by Caravaggio, which will be inaugurated in Ottawa on June 17 at the National Gallery of Canada.
“I’m disappointed that I won’t be with you for the Festa della Repubblica,” Meloni said, “but I’ll be present at the inauguration of the Fellini exhibit and the Cameristi della Scala concert.”
The celebrations begin May 31 with an evening organized by the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association of Windsor, including participation by Fiat head Sergio Marchionne. The official opening is June 2 with the Festa della Repubblica, which will be celebrated at noon at Queen’s Park and at 2 p.m. at Dundas Square with “Piazza Italia”. With the Carassauga Festival to be held June 3 to 5, to the CHIN Picnic which officially closes the celebrations on July 1, there will be over 30 events ranging from art to language, and from music to cuisine. To see all scheduled events, visit the www.italianheritagecanada.ca calendar.