Bradford celebrates Italian heritage and Festa della Repubblica

The Italian flag flew in Bradford this weekend as a symbol of democracy and freedom.

More than 40 people turned out to celebrate Italian Heritage Month and Festa della Republica with a flag raising and proclamation at Bradford West Gwillimbury Courthouse, 57 Holland St. E. Sunday afternoon.

“The residents of Bradford West Gwillimbury’s Italian community respect the differences of others and are a culture that respects the freedom and rights of all,” Mayor James Leduc read from the city’s proclamation. “In celebrating this significant holiday, the Italian community offers residents an opportunity to experience democracy and freedom.”

Bradford Italian Association representatives Jeanny Salmon and Rita Giudice have helped organize the celebration in the city for the past 14 years.

Festa della Repubblica is celebrated on June 2 each year in Italy and around the world to commemorate the country’s 1946 referendum, in which the Italian people went to the polls and chose a republic over a monarchy as their preferred form of government after – the second world. The war and the fall of the fascist government.