By Paul Carfagnini
What’s happening around Thorold in June to celebrate Italian Heritage Month?
This is a time across our country to showcase the rich culture and heritage of Italian Canadians. In some way, it would be fitting for the community to honour Italian heritage in Thorold.
Canada is home to more than 1.5 million Canadians of Italian descent, making it one of the largest Italian diasporas in the world. In Canada, Italian communities like Thorold have contributed greatly through their achievements in all areas of society and have helped shape the Canada we know today. Italian Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the exceptional achievements that Italian Canadians have made—and continue to make—in building a strong, vibrant, and consciously more inclusive Canada.
In Thorold, the Italian heritage has been celebrated for more than a century by many people at numerous places across our community. Over the years, the Italian Canadian traditions have been embraced in the community to be enjoyed by all people at places like Club Capri, Club Belvedere, Amici’s, Club Castropignano among other cultural centres. Contributions by Italian families in Thorold have enriched the culinary, fashion, sports, music, art, and so many other pieces of the cultural mosaic in our community. Architecture, healthcare, media and communications, construction, business, as well as government have all advanced in our community with the contributions by Italian Canadians.
How can we celebrate Italian Heritage Month in Thorold? Check out the take out food specials at Club Capri in Thorold to celebrate Italian Heritage Month at home with your family in June.
Together we can all unite as as community and salute the accomplishments of Canadian Italians in Thorold.
club capri
Flag Raising Ceremony – June 23
An official flag raising ceremony at Thorold City Hall and presentation by Mayor Terry Ugulini will be held on Wednesday, June 23, 10:30 am. The presentation is the result of an application to City Hall by Club Capri in a request for civic recognition of Italian Heritage Month in Thorold. Club Capri is a local lodge in the Order Sons of Italy. As a national organization, the Order is dedicated to promotion of the Italian culture and traditions in Canada. In Thorold since 1917, Club Capri supports charity, fellowship, liberty, and the legacy of Italian immigrants in Canada.
Statement by the Honourable Bardish Chagger – Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth
As we celebrate these great contributions, we must also acknowledge and address the historic wrongs against the Italian Canadian community during the Second World War. Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered a formal apology in the House of Commons for the internment of hundreds of Italian Canadians during this period. He also recognized the pain, hardship, and discrimination endured by these individuals, their families, and the Italian Canadian community for many years because of this historic injustice. The formal apology reminds us that we must learn from the mistakes of the past, and ensure that history does not repeat itself.
As Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, on behalf of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Government of Canada, I invite everyone from coast to coast to coast to learn more about the rich heritage of Italian Canadians and the inspirational role they have played—and continue to play—in our country. Keep well and safe.
The Honourable Bardish Chagger – Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth
Learn more: Bill 103, Italian Heritage Month Act, 2010 – Legislative Assembly of Ontario (ola.org)