Columbus Day Celebration
By Robin Vinci | Editor at October 13, 2023 | 2:00 pm | Print
Over 35 people came out Oct. 10 on a cold Monday morning to McCabe Park to honor the life of Christopher Columbus in front of his monument on the corner of Main and Broad Streets.
Following the pledge of Allegiance and an opening prayer by Father Mendoza of St. Jerome and St. Maurice Churches, officials spoke about the Italian man who is considered to have discovered America.
Alderman Carlo Carlozzi introduced Mayor Erin Stewart using her mother’s Italian maiden name of Badolato.
Stewart thanked Carlozzi for keeping the tradition of Italian American Heritage alive.
“This is a day that recognizes the courage of spirit and leadership of Christopher Columbus. I personally find that quality endearing,” said Mayor Stewart. “It is a day of pride for Italian Americans and a day in which we recognize contribution of those of Italian descent in our community.”
Twelve percent of the New Britain community identifies as Italian.
“Italian Americans have brought honor by enriching our city. The Italian spirit has left an indelible and remarkable imprint on the city of New Britain. Mayors to state senators have been Italian. Today there is still a strong contingent on the council. New Britain has been very blessed with leaders of Italian ancestry,” Stewart said. “I am so proud of my Italian American heritage. It would not be possible without the statue behind me today.”
“Over the past years many questioned why we honor this man and pay tribute to his voyage,” said Carlozzi. “Columbus set out to find a new path to the east. His voyage changed the world and opened a land of opportunity to the oppressed masses of Europe.”
The honoring of Columbus began in the 1930 in the United States.
“Columbus gave hope a new life. Italians struggled to assimilate. In our very own city, discrimination against Italian Americans was real. It took place at St. Mary’s as they were forced to worship in the basement of the church,” said Carlozzi.
This led to the formation of the Italian Church of St. Ann’s on North St.
“Even today, Italians face discrimination and are the butt of jokes. We are supposed to take it in stride. It is not okay to discriminate against any group,” said Carlozzi. “Christopher Columbus Day symbolizes and celebrates the millions of immigrants who followed in his footsteps. Like Columbus, our ancestors had a dream and like Columbus they made that dream come despite the odds.”
The City of New Britain, Calabria Mia Society, Generale Ameglio Civic Association, Angelo Tomasso Senior Lodge Order Sons of Italy and Italian Heritage Foundation all put wreaths in front of the monument.
For many in attendance, this day is always special.
“We are gathered here to honor our Italian heritage and also to celebrate everything that Italian Americans have done in the City of New Britain and the country,” said Sons Of Italy Lodge President, Terry Crescimanno. “It’s very nice to remember this and our people.”
Vincenzo Campagna, who is 91 and one of the founders of Calabria Mia, said this is important to him as he came to New Britain at the age of 21 with only a quarter in his pocket.
Following the ceremony, the Italian flag was raised at Central Park.
