From Pier 21 to “Festa della Repubblica”: The Italian Heart Continues to Beat in Halifax
HALIFAX – The Festa Della Repubblica is the National Day of Italy, celebrated each June 2nd, in Italy and around the world including right here in Halifax, Nova Scotia!
This year the Festa marks 80 years of the Italian Republic and offers an opportunity to reflect on Italian contributions not only of the last 8 decades but back much further to a much earlier republic established in the wake of Roman kings being forced out to create a new form of government in 509 B.C. . The establishment of democratic norms is but one of the legacies of Italy ~ others are incredible architecture, art, culture, industry and more.
The Festa honors the foundations of Western Civilization seen in Italian culture today and will celebrate more accomplishments to come. The Festa is hosted annually at the Italian Canadian Cultural Association (ICCA) on Agricola Street (agricola = Latin for “farmer”) in north end Halifax. The ICCA has been a community hub for 50 years, hosting language lessons, cooking lessons, and larger events such as the annual Italian Festival in September.
In terms of cultural events, next up is an evening of Italian Opera to be held July 4th at the Bella Rose Theatre in the west end of the city (fun fact ~ Agricola Street is named for the pen name of a local Halifax agrarian reformer who wrote many newspaper articles in the 1890’s whose real name was John Young).
Although the ICCA is well known and loved in Halifax, most Canadians of Italian heritage may be more familiar with Pier 21 where over 470,000 Italian Immigrants arrived between the years 1928 and 1971. Although now residing in Montreal, Toronto, Windsor, Sault St Marie or numerous other cities, many would have taken their first steps on Canadian soil in the red brick buildings of the shipyards in south end Halifax.
The arrival area of Pier 21 is now the Canadian Museum of Immigration, honoring the hundreds of thousands that left war, poverty, famine and old lives behind to begin anew in this country. Its true that many Italian immigrants passed thru this city enroute to other locations, places with bigger populations, more industry and with larger Italian communities. However, the 8,000+ residents of Italian heritage that call Halifax home and are deeply connected to their roots can thank the ICCA for that in part.
The community began here in 1890 but had real growth after WW2 , when many thousands arrived. Certainly the construction sector benefited from the skills and work ethics of these new arrivals, as did those looking for more variety in the cuisine of local fare. The fact that Halifax is now known as a “foodie city” has much to do with Italian culinary arts which are showcased in many of the city’s top restos! The Bertossi Group and it’s flagship spots such as Water Polo and Via Condotti is a clear example.
The Festa event, held on a rainy east coast evening featured formal remarks by the ICCA President Sandra Gardin and the Honorary Italian Consul for the Maritimes, Marilisa Benigno (in the pic below, with the author of this article), who noted the great contributions of the Italian community and the many similarities between Nova Scotia and Italy ~ “both maritime cultures, with solid naval histories, ocean economies, shipbuilding” and more! She highlighted the fact the Festa gathering has grown over the years “from a small group of 30 at the beginning to over 180 at this year’s celebration”!
Video messages were delivered by Federal Immigration Minister Lena Diab, Mayor Andy Fillmore, Italian Ambassador Alessandro Cattaneo and Italian Consul General in Montreal, Enrico Pavone. Also attending were many local dignitaries including HRM Councilor Tony Mancini, Nova Scotia Minister of Advanced Education, Brendan Macquire and Halifax Wanderers new coach Vanni Sartini (in the pic below, with the author of this article).
The coach showed his leadership style right from the kickoff as when the sound system crashed during the playing of the Italian National anthem Sartini jumped up, took the mic and led the crowd in an impressive and impromptu a cappella version of the anthem.
A constant theme of remarks was to highlight the substantial contributions of the Italian community to the history, culture and life of Halifax. Councilor Mancini noted he came thru Pier 21 with his family and this experience ” is part of a collective narrative shared by many families”. Minister Maguire said he grew up in England and Ireland and although Italy and Ireland may have similar flags the food is certainly better in Italy!
The evenings message to the many Italian Canadians that are now residing across the country, many 2nd and 3rd generation removed from arrival, that they are welcome anytime to visit the city and explore Nova Scotia’s many offerings ~ the coastline, culture hospitality and nature. Many reflected on how Nova Scotia has an ability to draw people to return and be called back from away. Maybe those who arrived at Pier 21 or whose parents or grandparents arrived there can also return and explore this great coastal city and its deep Italian heritage.
Viva L’ Italia ~ Salute Festa Della Repubblica!
Article by Mike Yorke, former President of the Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario and Local 27
