At the end of the Second World War, when fascism was overthrown in Italy, the Italian people came together to vote in a referendum. It was a grassroots and democratic way to determine the country’s future governance — as a monarchy, or as a republic.
The people voted and the Republic of Italy was established — and, on June 2, Italians and those with Italian heritage celebrated the Festa della Repubblica Italiana, marking the start of the modern state of Italy.
On June 2 in Bradford West Gwillimbury, Italian-Canadians and well-wishers gathered outside the BWG courthouse to raise the Italian flag and hear a proclamation read, naming it Festa della Repubblica Day in BWG.
“We are celebrating an event that is still quite recent,” said York-Simcoe MP Peter Van Loan. “The Italian community has been quite important to Canada, and to the local community in York-Simcoe — and right here in Bradford.”
He highlighted not only the cultural impact, but the entrepreneurial spirit of the residents.
BWG Coun. Peter Ferragine, representing the mayor, read the proclamation, noting Festa della Repubblica is an “opportunity to experience democracy and freedom,” for all.
“I’m very proud of our culture,” said Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board trustee Jeanny Salmon, one of the organizers of the event, as the Italian national anthem played.
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