Dear editor,
‘From time to time, many of us are lucky enough to have some event to celebrate. It’s one of the many things that make life worth living.’ Especially during a time where we’ve been locked down, encouraged to be alone and not able to see friends and family members.
I would like to address the letter published by Bedford Independent on 05/07/2021 and address some of the hyperboles written in the letter.
Read: Letters: Football fans can cheer in front of their TVs but please leave the rest of us in peace
Firstly, if you’re going to address a letter to a group of people, at least have the decency to refer to us as Italian. Because that’s what we are.
Secondly, I was present at the embankment on Friday and there were no fireworks and no explosions (the first of many hyperboles in this statement). The cars were not racing along because it was gridlocked due to the sheer amount of people there.
Thirdly, the Italians (including myself) were not drinking, were not unruly, didn’t initiate any sort of violence or attack on anyone. We were celebrating a victory as a community, after so many months locked in our houses. Although this might displease some and be somewhat irritating, it happens once in a blue moon and not every single day.
Lastly, something similar occurred on the high street after the England match on Saturday and I am glad! I don’t see any complaints about that? Everyone has the right to support their team, be proud of their country, culture or heritage without being made to feel bad for doing so.
So from myself and I’m assuming many other Italians in Bedford, you will have to grin and bear it for the foreseeable because it is a tradition that goes back nearly 40 years. By all means please come and join in, get to know us, why we celebrate like this. As the saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them!!
Con mille grazie!!
Name and address withheld.
