Panoram Italia Montreal April/May 2015 by Panoram Italia Magazine

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THE ITALIAN-CANADIAN MAGAZINE MAILED TO HOMES IN THE GREATER MONTREAL AND OTTAWA AREAS

LIVING ITALIAN STYLE

DESIGNERS DE MODE

ITALOCANADIENS VIAGGIO IN

MOLISE

COVER: NADYA TOTO ONE OF US • UNA DI NOI • UNE D’ENTRE NOUS APRIL / MAY 2015 • VOL.10 • NO.2

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

APRIL / MAY 2015

22 Volume 10 Number 2

EXECUTIVE

PUBLISHER’S NOTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

PUBLISHER AND EDITOR Tony Zara

OPINION

EDITORIAL

La loi 10 et l'hôpital Santa Cabrini

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

LIFE & PEOPLE Unitas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

MONTREAL BRICK BY BRICK From the city to the suburbs - the culmination of a dream . . 18

DEPUTY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Adam Zara MONTREAL MANAGING EDITOR & WEB MANAGER Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

TORONTO MANAGING EDITOR Rita Simonetta

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS Carole Gagliardi

ITALIAN TRANSLATOR Claudia Buscemi Prestigiacomo PROOFREADER Aurelie Ptito

De la ville à la banlieue – l’aboutissement du rêve . . . . . . 19

ITALIAN-CANADIAN FASHION FILE The Hustle and Bustle of Canadian Fashion . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Trending in Montreal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 From Nonna Housecoats to Jersey Shore . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Italian Style with Attitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 The Imperfectly Perfect Bello . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Faked in Italy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

LIVING ITALIAN STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 MOLISE A Journey Off the Beaten Path into Molise . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 When Canada Came to Campobasso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Molise on Your Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 La Carrese la passion de la tradition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

ART DEPARTMENT ART DIRECTION David Ferreira Gabriel Riel-Salvatore GRAPHIC DESIGN David Ferreira

PHOTOGRAPHY Vincenzo D’Alto Michel Ostaszewski Fahri Yavuz Giulio Muratori

ADVERTISING ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES Frank Crisafi Anthony Zara

CONTRIBUTORS Sara Germanotta • Loretta Di Vita • Alessia Sara Domanico Amanda Fulginiti • Francesca Spizzirri • Sabrina Marandola Chef Vittorio Veri • Claudia Buscemi Prestigiacomo Nicola Di Narzo 9300 Henri-Bourassa West, suite 100, Montreal, Québec H4S 1L5 Tel.: 514 337-7870 I Fax: 514 337-6180 or by e-mail at: info@panoramitalia.com Legal deposit - Bibliothèque nationale du Québec / National Library of Canada - ISSN: 1916-6389

Transumanza e Tratturi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Marvelous Molise Meals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Distribution par / by

Molisan in Montreal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Publications Mail Agreement #40981004

ADVICE Printed by:

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I Santi Patroni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

“

Molise on My Mind O

ne of this issue’s focuses is the region of Molise. I was born there in the 1950s – another era and another world. Like all immigrant children, I experienced the shock of leaving my then reality without even realizing what was happening. In the blink of an eye, I found myself in a strange country not understanding a word of the language while trying to belong amongst other children. The first three months were the longest and most challenging. Once I started understanding the language, things got easier. I remember the nostalgia and the loss I experienced as if it were yesterday. That feeling, I could honestly say, has stayed with me to this very day, albeit to a lesser degree. You could say that my place of birth, wonderful, simple Molise has always had my heart. Certainly, as I would later discover, I was not the only one to experience these sentiments. Over 100,000 Molisans would make their way to Canada after the Second World War. They settled mostly in Montreal and Toronto, most had children and the community grew. Today, Montreal, with more than 80,000 Italian-Canadians hailing wholly or in part from Molise, is considered the largest Molisan city in the world, since Molise’s largest city Campobasso only has a population of 52,000. Toronto also has a significant population that claim Molisan roots. Later, I rediscovered the land of my birth and made the decision to buy property and visit often. Over time I made it my mission to get to know not only my native village and its people but also the rest of the region and the many villages my friends and acquaintances hail from. They all have their own individuality with distinct dialects, traditions, culture and food, even

Meshing Modern

I remember the nostalgia and the loss I experienced as if it were yesterday. That feeling, I could honestly say, has stayed with me to this very day, albeit to a lesser degree. You could say that my place of birth, wonderful, simple Molise has always had my heart.

“

Dear readers,

though most are only a few kilometres apart. I encourage all to discover the richness of our rural, peasant culture and the beauty and diversity of its geography. There is something for every taste and budget. From the Apennine Mountains in the interior to the sandy beaches of our Adriatic coast, one can experience climbing a rugged, green, mountainside as well as bathing in the turquoise, clean waters of the over 30-kilometre coastline. Not to mention the amazing gastronomical delights. Molise boasts many artisanal establishments producing excellent cheeses, salumi and olive oils. You may also be surprised to discover our many wineries that produce world-class wines. I could go on and on! Since our staff is headed by myself and two other passionate Molisans (and one proud Calabrese), it is a matter of pride to present you with many articles about Molise, which will not only familiarize you with the second smallest region of Italy but, hopefully, will also entice you to visit the next time you decide to fly to il bel paese. It will heal your heart and be very respectful of your pocket book. Wishing you all a very happy and blessed Easter, and may you enjoy the holiday with family and friends in peace and prosperity – and with great food. Tony Zara Publisher

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OPINION

Loi 10 L'hôpital Santa Cabrini conservera son statut particulier... Mais pour combien de temps encore ? Par Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

loi 10, récemment adoptée par Québec dans la foulée de sa réforme de la santé, n'a pas fini de faire des vagues. Préoccupés par l’annonce de fusions forcées à l’automne 2014, les membres de la direction et du Conseil d’administration de l’hôpital Santa Cabrini assurent avoir tout fait en leur pouvoir pour conserver le statut bilingue de l’hôpital. À l’instar d’autres grandes institutions du réseau de la santé montréalais à vocation ethno-culturelle tels l’hôpital chinois de Montréal, l’hôpital général juif ou le St-Mary’s Hospital, l’hôpital Santa Cabrini bénéficiera désormais d’amendements au projet de loi assurant le maintien de son statut particulier. Bonne nouvelle, la mission première de Santa Cabrini, notamment son caractère bilingue, ne sera pas compromise. Ce sera “Business as usual” haranguait haut et fort en février dernier maître Consolato Gattuso, président du Conseil d’administration de l’hôpital et du Centre d’accueil Dante, dans le cadre d’une conférence de presse conviant spécifiquement les médias italiens de la Belle Province. C’est sous l’égide d’une coalition avec le Congrès italo-canadien et divers politiciens d’origine italienne de circonscriptions de l’est de la ville (Filomena Rotiroti et Rita De Sanctis), que le Conseil d’administration de l’hôpital a entamé ses pressions auprès du ministre Barrette cet automne. Ce front commun a ainsi permis d’éviter la fusion imminente de Santa Cabrini au Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’est-de-l’île de Montréal (CSSS) pour le greffer plutôt à une nouvelle structure de gouvernance (CIUSSS) “regroupant” sept établissements de l’est de Montréal: le Centre de santé et de services sociaux de la Pointe-de-l’Île, l’Institut Universitaire de santé mentale de Montréal, l’hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, le Centre de santé et de services sociaux de Saint-Léonard et Saint-Michel, le Centre de santé et de services sociaux Lucille-Teasdale et l’Institut Canadien-Polonais du Bien-Être. Les efforts consentis ont ainsi débouché sur la création de différents mécanismes de défenses désormais enchâssés dans la loi 10 par des amendements à l’article 24. Bien que le nouveau conseil d’administration du CIUSSS de l’est de la ville, auquel sera soumis Santa Cabrini, chapeautera dorénavant l’ensemble des décisions d’ordre administratives du regroupement, toutes prérogatives concernant la modification de services de nature culturelle ou linguistique rendus à Santa Carbini, lui échapperont. Pour ce faire, ce dernier devra obligatoirement obtenir l’aval du deux-tiers des membres d’une Corporation nommée spécifiquement à cet effet par l’hôpital. Ce pare-feu visera à conserver le statut bilingue de Santa Cabrini et toute entrave à sa nature culturelle à court et moyen terme. Mais ce fait d’armes est-il aussi rassurant qu’on veut bien le laisser entendre pour l’identité singulière de cette institution et pour l’avenir de la communauté italienne de Montréal en général ? Vingt-cinq pourcent de la clientèle de l’hôpital Santa Cabrini est encore aujourd’hui d’origine italienne (2,606 clients). L’équivalent d’une personne sur quatre. Avec un taux global de 43,6 % d’usagers âgés de 75 ans et plus, on peut aisément conclure qu’une personne sur huit (12,5 %) à Santa Cabrini figure dans la catégorie des Italiens de première génération préférants ou nécessitants des soins en langue italienne. Il y a 20 à 30 ans encore (une génération), près de 40 % voire 50 % de la clientèle de Santa Cabrini était d’origine italienne. Ce nombre s’est maintenant réduit de moitié. Comment compte-t-on conserver le caractère identitaire de Santa Cabrini une fois que cette proportion aura atteint 15 %, 10 % ou 5 % ? Poser la question, c’est déjà y répondre. Quelle vision à long terme devrait adopter le conseil d’administration et la nouvelle Corporation à venir face à cette transition démographique qui chaque jour nous prive petit à petit des membres les plus âgés de notre communauté ? Comment maintenir en vie l’élément “culturel” particulier de Santa Cabrini sans 14

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ce vecteur essentiel qu’est la langue ? Ce secret de polichinelle ne semble pas émouvoir bon nombre de bien-pensants de notre communauté qui ne se gênent pas pour répondre : “What for... ?” Est-ce là le reflet d’une réelle indifférence de la communauté au sens large face à l’avenir d’une institution sensée la représenter ou un simple manque de vision de la part de ses élites ? C’est cette triste résignation face à l’inéluctable, plutôt qu’une réforme de la santé, qui semble ici l’élément le plus à craindre pour l’avenir du statut identitaire particulier de Santa Cabrini. La communauté italienne n’a pas réussi à s’entendre sur la réalisation d’une école de langue italienne. Pourquoi se préoccuperait-elle d’assurer la survie de l’italien à long terme à Santa Cabrini ? Nous voici confrontés aux impacts négatifs de ce hiatus identitaire et linguistique. Le centre Dante, réelle incarnation du principe premier de l’hôpital, continue certes à jouer son rôle, mais de plus en plus difficilement. Le recrutement de personnel spécialisé d’origine italienne, ou non, capable d’offrir des services dans la langue de Dante, semble de plus en plus ardu. L’hôpital affirme que 25 % de ses employés sont d’origine italienne et, qu’à compétences égales, un candidat qui maîtrise l’italien obtient toujours l’avantage. Or, une infirmière d’origine haïtienne travaillant à Santa Cabrini pourrait très bien suivre des cours d’italien. L’idée d’imposer un programme d’enseignement de l’italien pour le personnel de l’hôpital, voire d’instaurer un système de quotas pour engager des professionnels maîtrisant l’italien, peut sembler farfelu dans un contexte de coupures budgétaires. Il s’agit néanmoins d’accommodements raisonnables et de discrimination positive loin d’être triviaux. La langue constitue la pierre angulaire du maintien d’une culture et le principal élément qui distingue et qui distinguera Santa Cabrini de tous les autres établissements de santé dans la province. L’hôpital aurait avantage à améliorer ses soins avant de penser à investir dans des cours inutiles et anachroniques de toute façon, disent certains. La direction a toutefois fait ses devoirs en ce sens ces dernières années sous la gouverne de Jean-François Foisy. Le déficit de 12 M $ de l’établissement est maintenant épongé. Le temps d’attente à l’urgence a été réduit significativement. L’hôpital a bonifié son programme adapté aux personnes âgées et prévoit, grâce à l’appui de la Fondation Santa Cabrini, un investissement de 290 M $ qui remettra à neuf l’hôpital. Lettre morte toutefois sur les efforts consentis pour améliorer la place de l’italien dans les couloirs de l’hôpital qui semble parfois sourd quant aux plaintes exprimées par sa clientèle d’origine italienne confrontée au constat que son hôpital n’est plus si bilingue que ça en fin de compte. Il est clair que le mandat premier d’un hôpital est de prodiguer les meilleurs soins possibles. L’achat d’équipement dernier cri grâce à de généreuses donations contribue à faire en sorte que Santa Cabrini puisse jouer son rôle de leader dans l’est de Montréal, un succès qui rejaillit de surcroît sur ses donateurs et toute la communauté italienne. Mais rien n’empêche qu’une partie de ces dons soit aussi dédiée à l’implantation d’un programme d’italien. Ceci offrirait une raison de plus aux grands donateurs d’origine italienne de choisir Santa Cabrini plutôt qu’un autre établissement, comme ils le font d’ailleurs déjà.

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UNITAS

Community Chat United to build a stronger community Dear friends, As president of the Italian-Canadian Community Foundation I would like to welcome you to the very first Community Chat column, which will now be an ongoing feature in Panoram Italia magazine. What is Unitas? I would like to begin our dialogue with an explanation of the Unitas project undertaken by the Foundation last year. After months of discussion and teamwork, a plan was devised whereby the CCPI-Casa d’Italia, the CanadianItalian Business and Professionals Association, the National Congress of Italian-Canadians, and the Centre Leonardo da Vinci would sit on the board of Fiduciaries of the Italian-Canadian Community Foundation. I am pleased to inform you that progetto Unitas was officially implemented in 2014 and we are now actively working to create a “United” or “Unified Community.” Since the formation of the new board in June 2014, important progress has been made. We are developing a strategic plan to be implemented this year, allowing the new Foundation to serve as the fundraising arm of the community and enabling it to go back to what it was created to do, to distribute its proceeds primarily to groups endeavouring within the Italian community. Not only will the United Community be symbolic of our collaborative strength, it will allow a more efficient use of resources, it will optimize services, and it will uncover new avenues of support. Montreal’s Italian community is one of the largest in Canada and my vision is for it to be a vibrant example of solidarity.

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In this vein, I am happy to invite you to the 1st Unitas Golf Tournament organized under the presidency of Angela Minicucci, president of CCPI-Casa d’Italia. This event will take place in the fall at Golf Saint-Raphaël and will be the first of many Unitas events that will bring the community together. With this column, we wish to create a platform to inform the community about our activities and share our progress reports as we move forward on this exciting journey. In addition we would like to inspire dialogue. We encourage you to send us your comments and questions and it will be my pleasure to use this column to answer the queries the community puts forth. For more information about Unitas and the Foundation’s upcoming events such as Monopoly Populi on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at Hockey Etcetera, please visit our website at www.fcciq.com. Join us on Twitter and Facebook to send us your questions and comments. I remind you that this is YOUR community and YOUR Foundation and that without solidarity, we cannot enhance social progress. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Joey Saputo joey@fcciq.com

Italian-Canadian Community Foundation of Quebec Insieme per la nostra comunità

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Italians of Montreal From the city to the suburbs – the culmination of a dream

ur series on Montreal’s Italian neighbourhoods culminates here. As we have seen, Italians initially settled on the outskirts of Old Montreal before dispersing throughout the rest of the metropolitan area in successive waves. In the space of just over a century, their substantial contribution to Montreal’s social fabric saw them build vibrant communities within their host society. Despite a slowdown in Italian immigration in the 1970s, the community continued to expand endogenously, eventually reaching its current population of nearly 300,000 living all across La Belle Province. Over time, the newfangled community, whose growth relied increasingly on the offspring of its second and third generations, developed its own social mores and customs. Despite having never set foot in the land of their ancestors, many Italian-Canadians maintained a strong connection to their Italian heritage. Owing to a fusion of influences, a typical Italian-Canadian identity emerged in such neighbourhoods as St-Leonard, Ahuntsic and LaSalle, with similar yet distinct traditions from those observed on the Old Continent. With as much as a third of the population boasting Italian roots, these districts became breeding grounds for a slew of expressions, inflections, and even something of a local Italianese dialect, combining Italian, French and English. During the 1960s and 1970s, Italians designed and erected their own unique form of residential housing, typified by the famous white brick duplexes of eastern Montreal. Commercial centres and institutions, both religious and secular, such as Casa d'Italia, Santa Cabrini Hospital and the Leonardo da Vinci Centre, also emerged in the heart of Italian districts in order to meet community needs. Certain customs associated with the rural past of Italian immigrants endure to this day. For instance, backyard vegetable gardens are still common in many neighbourhoods, as is the smell of fermented grapes during autumn months. But, such customs are certainly less common than they once were. As it continues to transform and assimilate into Quebec society, the Italian community has increasingly abandoned such traditional practices, deemed less compatible with the lifestyle of the new generation. The once well-attended religious processions of Little Italy and the South West of the island are now suffering the same fate as the Corpus Christi celebrations at the time of Quebec’s Quiet Revolution. Town and regional associations, so popular in the past, have lost much of their luster and struggle to attract younger members of the community. With the aging of the community and its migration to the suburbs, traditional stomping grounds like

Little Italy, Ahuntsic and St-Michel have quietly been bled of many of their Italian residents. In their stead, others have arrived, charmed by the ethnic character of these neighbourhoods and their influx of new immigrants. While some complain that many Italians only come to Little Italy for its largest and most jingoistic events such as Italian Week, Grand Prix weekend, and World Cup matches, many Italian-Montrealers still make a point of going to the area’s restaurants, bars and cafés. Institutions such as the Fruiterie Milano and Dante hardware store still champion the essence of the old neighbourhood. Meanwhile, newer businesses are skillfully finding their niche by updating many of their parents’ ways, while leveraging the undeniable pull of Italian culture on Quebecers to achieve success. Even St-Leonard, long considered a promised land for many Greater Montreal Italians, is slowly changing. Although the sector is still home to nearly 30,000 individuals of Italian origin – for the most part owners, not tenants – their children have more often than not chosen the suburbs of Laval and Rivière-des-Prairies over their ancestral neighbourhood. The growing influx of new immigrant populations, especially from North Africa, has also gradually transformed the sector, which has become more ethnically diverse despite maintaining a significant concentration of Italians. The array of residential towers dotting the landscape south of Autoroute 40 along boulevard Lacordaire have allowed many elderly Italians to remain in the neighbourhood, while encouraging others to return. Such accommodations have proved a practical way to participate in community life and stay close to loved ones. Many modern senior centres in the area even offer services in Italian as well as activities tailored to elderly Italians, like bocce courts, wine cellars, Italian food, etc. Scattered as it is today all across Greater Montreal, from Kirkland and Vimont to Boucherville and Longueuil, the Italian population is nowhere near as homogeneous as it once was. As such, the dynamic legacy of Italian neighbourhoods now rests in individual households, perpetuated by new generations whose turn it is to disseminate the community’s values and heritage, no matter where they finally settle. In many respects, Little Italy has nothing on modern shopping complexes like Boulevard Saint-Martin, Marché de l’Ouest, or DIX30, which have admirably extended the reach of Italian-ness to new areas in Greater Montreal. Building on the heritage of their parents or launching their own businesses, the new generations of Italian-Montrealers now share the same aspirations as the rest of Quebec society. From this perspective, Quebec’s Italian community constitutes a model of successful integration, which other immigrant groups often look to for inspiration.

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LES QUARTIERS DE MONTRÉAL

Les Italiens de Montréal De la ville à la banlieue – l’aboutissement du rêve

otre série sur les quartiers italiens de Montréal s'achève ici. Comme nous l’avons vu, de ses premiers soubresauts aux abords du Vieux Montréal, la population italienne se disperse ensuite par vagues successives sur tout le territoire métropolitain. En l'espace d'un peu plus d’un siècle, celle-ci laisse de profondes traces dans le tissu social montréalais, fondant de vibrantes communautés aujourd’hui parfaitement intégrées à leur société d’accueil. Avec le tarissement progressif de l'immigration italienne au courant des années 1970, c'est de l'intérieur que la communauté continue par la suite à se régénérer, pour atteindre de nos jours quelque 300,000 individus dans l’ensemble de la Belle Province. Les membres de la deuxième et troisième génération contribuent ainsi à grossir les rangs de cette population qui au fil du temps développe ses propres codes sociaux. Même si plusieurs Italo-Canadiens n’ont jamais foulé la terre de leurs ancêtres, ils revendiquent fièrement leurs origines italiennes. Fruit d’un syncrétisme culturel, une identité typiquement italo-canadienne émerge au sein des quartiers italiens comme Saint-Léonard, Lasalle ou Ahuntsic, avec ses propres traditions, semblables, mais distinctes de celles observées sur le Vieux continent. Des expressions, un accent, voire même une forme de dialecte local : « l’italianese », un amalgame de dialectes italiens, de français et d’anglais, apparaissent dans ces secteurs où parfois plus du tiers de la population est d’origine italienne. Il se dessine même au courant des années 1960 et 1970 un modèle d’implantation résidentiel conçu par et pour les Italiens, incarné par les fameux duplex en briques blanches de l’est de Montréal. De nombreux noyaux commerciaux, institutions culturelles et religieuses, comme la Casa d’Italia, l’hôpital Santa Cabrini et le centre Léonard de Vinci, émergent aussi au cœur des quartiers italiens pour répondre aux différents besoins de la communauté. Plusieurs coutumes associées au passé rural des populations italiennes perdurent toujours à ce jour. Les quartiers italiens sont souvent caractérisés par l’omniprésence de cours arrière transformées en potagers ou par l’odeur de raisins fermentés à l’arrivée de l’automne. Or, ces pratiques s’étiolent. Aujourd’hui plus que jamais, la communauté évolue, se transforme et s’assimile, reléguant aux oubliettes certaines pratiques jugées incompatibles avec le mode de vie des nouvelles générations. Les processions religieuses de la Petite Italie ou du Sud-ouest, autrefois fort courues, connaissent désormais le même sort que la Fête-Dieu au détour de la Révolution tranquille. Les associations villageoises et régionales, à l’origine fort populaires, ont aujourd’hui perdu beaucoup de leur lustre et peinent à attirer les membres moins âgés de la communauté. Avec le vieillissement de la communauté et les migrations vers la banlieue, des secteurs historiques comme la Petite Italie, Ahuntsic et Saint-Michel se vident tranquillement de leurs résidants d’origine italienne au

profit d’une faune idoine charmée par le caractère ethnique de ces quartiers ou par de nouvelles vagues d’immigrants. Alors que certains déplorent une certaine « folklorisation » de la Petite Italie qui semble attirer l’attention de la majorité italienne que lors des événements à grand déploiement de la Semaine italienne, du Week-end du Grand prix ou lors des matchs de Coupe du monde, plusieurs Italo-Montréalais se font un devoir de fréquenter les restos, bars et cafés italiens du quartier. Des institutions comme la fruiterie Milano ou la quincaillerie Dante contribuent toujours à conserver en vie l’essence du secteur. Mais de nouveaux établissements tirent aussi habilement leur épingle du jeu, revisitant les standards de leurs parents tout en misant sur l’attrait indéniable qu’exerce la culture italienne sur les Québécois. Même Saint-Léonard, longtemps considérée comme la terre promise pour bon nombre d’Italiens, se transforme tranquillement. Bien que le secteur compte encore près de 30,000 individus d’origine italienne – la plupart propriétaires et non locataires – la majorité de leurs enfants convergent vers Laval et Rivière-des-Prairies une fois le moment venu de quitter le nid familial. L’arrivée croissante de nouvelles populations immigrantes, notamment en provenance des pays du Maghreb, transforme aussi peu à peu le secteur, qui malgré sa grande concentration d’Italiens, tend dans l’ensemble à se diversifier de plus en plus. Les différentes tours d’habitation qui tapissent désormais le paysage au sud du Métropolitain le long du boulevard Lacordaire, contribuent à contenir voire même à rapatrier dans le secteur plusieurs personnes âgées d’origine italienne. Ces résidences constituent souvent le meilleur moyen pour eux de demeurer dans le quartier ou de se rapprocher de leurs proches tout en conservant leur autonomie. Ces centres pour personnes âgées nouveau genre offrent bien souvent des services en italien et jouissent d’activités ciblant les besoins des populations italiennes : terrains de bocce, caves à vins, menus adaptés, etc. Dispersée aux quatre coins du territoire du grand Montréal, en passant par Kirkland, Vimont, Boucherville et Longueuil, la population italienne est maintenant loin d’être aussi homogène qu’elle ne l’a déjà été. Son dynamisme d’antan se matérialise aujourd’hui à travers les nouvelles générations qui disséminent partout où elles s’installent les valeurs et l’héritage de leurs parents. À bien des égards, le boulevard Saint-Martin, le Marché de l’Ouest ou le marché DIX30 n’ont plus grand chose à envier au boulevard Saint-Laurent. Misant sur le patrimoine de leurs parents ou se lançant à leur tour en affaires, les nouvelles générations d’Italo-Montréalais sont désormais habitées par les mêmes aspirations que l’ensemble de la société québécoise. De ce point de vue, la communauté italienne du Québec représente un modèle réussi d’intégration que les nouveaux immigrants n’hésitent pas à prendre en exemple.

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ADVERTORIAL

Caffè CIMO Celebrates 30 Years of Brewing Innovation By Amanda Fulginiti

here is no question that Italians love their coffee. Whether it is enjoyed first thing in the morning, after lunch, or perhaps as a quick shot during the day or as a nice way to cap off dinner, “caffè” is not just a routine, it is a ritual. The question here in Montreal: who do you turn to for your caffeine buzz? Caffè CIMO hopes to be at the forefront of people’s minds as a first choice label. Something new is brewing at Caffè CIMO. The family-owned coffee company is preparing for some exciting changes as it marks 30 years in business. In addition to continuing to offer customized coffee for every taste, they will also add to their mix of flavours. Azzurro, a blend with a full-bodied taste and aroma, has been Caffè CIMO’s star attraction. While it will still be available to enjoy, there will be plenty of new varieties to choose from including fair trade certified and organic options for health conscious customers. “Coffee is a very delicate business. It’s an acquired taste,” says Giovanni Caruana, Director of Sales and Marketing. “We all have a different palate.” Just as important as suiting different tastes is a company’s ability to attract customers on appearance alone – it’s become the key to the success of many businesses nowadays. Caffè CIMO’s new simple clean-cut packaging will consequently be more informative and include the coffee notes, countries of origin and different intensities contained in the roast. Their new sleek, modern and eye-catching logo, which will launch sometime in the late summer, is another way to attract a younger demographic and create more of a brand consciousness for new customers. It’s also a way to provide more information and to educate people about how much goes into each and every selection. Conversation around the office coffee machine just got a little more interesting! Caruana, however, is quick to point out that the company is still loyal to its core beliefs. “Just because we’ve changed our packaging does not mean we have changed our values,” he emphasizes. Family values is one of the hallmarks of Caffè CIMO. This local home

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grown company was developed by his grandfather Giovanni Caruana Sr., born in Agrigento, Sicily, who even after he immigrated to Canada always had a passion for the Italian lifestyle and Italian products. Today the company is run by Giovanni’s father, who serves as president, and his father’s three brothers and sister. This is a family enterprise and to say that there is heart behind the product would be an understatement. The passion has been passed on through the generations. “Like our company, coffee has gone through such an evolution, especially since pioneers like Starbucks and more recently Nespresso. We must contribute to the conversation,” says Caruana. Caffè CIMO will continue to supply clients nationally and sell to all the major retailers such as IGA, Metro, Loblaws, Costco, and Walmart, as well as independent markets. The company’s products can even be found throughout food services in Montreal. Caffè CIMO is committed to offering quality coffee at an affordable price – something that has always been the recipe for their success. They have a local roaster, unlike many of their competitors, which means customers are not paying for import- Giovanni Caruana ing costs. Italian equipment imported directly from Italy is used for roasting. They also use a hot air infusion process, which means it is slow-roasting, thereby creating a more refined quality product, with a rich, creamy, perfectly balanced result from start to finish. Another project that sets them apart is their CIMO bar mobile. A portable bar that caters to event planners’ needs by providing what they like to call latte art for special events. Whether it is set up next to a dessert table at a wedding or just something different to have at a corporate event, the company sees this as an opportunity for their coffee to take centre stage. Going down like silk and remaining wallet friendly, Caffè CIMO rivals any espresso in town. As they set off on this more visually dynamic path, they hope for continued support from both the old and new generations of coffee drinkers. On this note, we salute them. Cent’anni indeed!

Coffee is a very delicate business. It’s an acquired taste.

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FASHION

Italian-Canadian Fashion File Tendance mode italo-canadienne Italian-Canadian fashion designer Marisa Minicucci

The hustle and bustle of the Canadian fashion industry Les hauts et les bas de l’industrie de la mode au Canada By Sara Germanotta

oey Franco says he took his first steps on the factory room floor. The 28-year-old basically grew up amidst the hustle and bustle of Montreal’s clothing manufacturing industry. His father, Francesco, was the plant manager at Golden Brand Clothing – one of the largest menswear manufacturers in Canada. “It was all fun and games when I was a child; I was amazed by the sheer size of the plant, the cutting edge machinery, the technology. Over a thousand people were involved in the start to finish operations,” explains Franco. At the age of 16, Franco got his first summer job at the factory and returned every summer thereafter. He held many posts at the factory over the years – from the initial stages of the cutting room to the final steps in the examining and shipping departments. But in 2009, the owners of Golden Brand Clothing decided to shut down their plant in Montreal and move their operations overseas. Hundreds of people were let go in an effort to downsize the company and reduce production costs. This has become a trend in Canada’s once-vibrant clothing and apparel industries. “We sort of saw it coming as it was inevitable. There were gradual layoffs every few months until the closing,” says Franco. Recently, well-known Canadian retailer Jacob filed for bankruptcy and announced massive shut-downs, Parasuco Retail shuttered its 8 Canadian stores while remaining operative online, and the insolvent bathing suit chain Bikini Village was bought out by lingerie and swimwear retailer La Vie en Rose. International brands such as Target, Mexx and Sony are also disappearing from the Canadian retail landscape, and many consumers are wondering why. Julia Cyboran, 34, is Editor-in-chief & Associate Publisher of LOULOU magazine. She says the retail fashion scene in Canada is in a sort of limbo stage. “Many of the traditional retailers that made up the landscape for the last 30 or 40 years are folding or retreating from the market. That is in major part due to the influx of international fast fashion brands like Zara, H&M, and Forever 21, with new players coming into the market in 2016 like Uniqlo. These retailers have the ability to offer on-trend pieces for a fraction of the price,” explains Cyboran. The online shopping market is also hurting Canadian brands. Young people don’t shop the way previous generations did and retailers are struggling to keep up. Robert Soroka is a marketing professor at McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management. Soroka has been studying the changes in the industry and he’s noticed a clear paradigm shift in consumers’ buying habits. “Talk to young people, who are much more informed shoppers than their predecessors of a generation ago: They shop online, frequent discounters like Winners, and respond favourably to global retail brands like H&M and Zara,” says Soroka. “The fortunes and failures of fashion retail are 22

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oey Franco a littéralement grandi au coeur de l’industrie du textile de Montréal. Son père, Francesco, était le gérant de Golden Brand Clothing – une des plus grosses manufactures de vêtements pour homme au Canada. « Petit, c’était vraiment amusant. J’étais fasciné par la taille de l’usine et les machines à la fine pointe de la technologie. On rencontrait plus d’un millier d’employés affectés aux différentes étapes de production, » explique Franco. À seize ans, il obtient son premier emploi d’étudiant à l’usine où il passe par la suite tous ses étés. Au fil des ans, il occupe plusieurs postes – du découpage initial des étoffes à l’examen final des vêtements avant l’expédition. En 2009, les propriétaires de Golden Brand Clothing décident de fermer l’usine et déménagent leurs opérations à l’étranger. Des centaines de personnes sont alors remerciées dans cet effort de restructuration visant à réduire la taille de la compagnie et ses coûts de production. Cette fermeture s’inscrit dans l’air du temps qui affecte désormais de plein fouet une industrie du textile naguère très prospère au Canada. « Nous nous y attendions. C’était inévitable. Les coupes ont été graduelles jusqu’à la fermeture finale de l’usine,» détaille Franco. Récemment, le détaillant Jacob s’est placé sous la protection de la loi sur la faillite, annonçant du même coup d’importantes fermetures et vagues de licenciements. Parasuco a fermé ses huit magasins canadiens, préférant concentrer ses efforts sur les ventes en ligne, tandis que Bikini Village a été racheté par La Vie en Rose. Plusieurs grandes marques internationales telles que Target, Mexx et Sony ont aussi succombé à la crise, et plusieurs consommateurs ne s’expliquent pas pourquoi. Julia Cyboran, la rédactrice en chef et éditrice associée au magazine LOULOU, affirme que le commerce au détail du secteur de la mode au Canada vit actuellement une importante transition. « Plusieurs marques de détaillants traditionnels qui occupaient l’avant-scène ces derniers 30-40 ans, ferment leurs portes ou tirent leur révérence. C’est en grande partie lié à l’arrivée massive de bannières prêt-à-porter comme Zara, H&M et Forever 21 ou Uniqlo d’ici 2016. Ces détaillants peuvent se permettre d’offrir des articles très courus à des prix extrêmement compétitifs, » poursuit-elle. Les achats en ligne affectent aussi les marques canadiennes. Les jeunes ne magasinent plus comme avant et les détaillants ont du mal à s’adapter. Robert Soroka enseigne le marketing à la faculté de gestion Desautels de McGill. Il étudie les changements dans l’industrie et remarque dernièrement un important changement de cap dans les habitudes d’achat des gens. « Informez-vous auprès des jeunes. Ce sont des consommateurs beaucoup plus avertis que ne l’étaient leurs prédécesseurs. Ils magasinent tous en ligne, fréquentent les magasins discounts comme Winners et apprécient particulièrement les grandes marques comme H&M ou Zara, » insiste-t-il. « Les succès et les échecs des détaillants de mode ne sont pas nécessairement associés à des zones géographiques en particulier. Pour réussir, il faut suivre la cadence. Les détaillants tradition-

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FASHION not tied to specific geographic markets. To succeed you have to keep pace. Tired brick and mortar retailers with outdated promotions, bloated prices and brands that no longer speak to the markets they seek to satisfy will be displaced.” Although Cyboran and Soroka both agree that Canadians’ buying habits are clearly shifting, there are some parts of the country that are faring better than others. Montreal was once considered the centre of the rag trade in Canada, and Chabanel street was its heart. Like Joey and Francesco Franco, countless Italian-Montrealers were employed in the industry. But that is no longer the case. “Chabanel was a legendary place where clothing was manufactured and distributed. That is changing,” admits Cyboran. “Many of the brands that were on Chabanel have either folded or moved to Toronto, which is now becoming more of a hub.” Retailers seem to be following the money and fanfare down the 401 to the detriment of Montreal’s fashion industry. In 2013, the producers of Montreal’s Fashion Week pulled the plug on the event, leaving a noticeable void in the landscape. Montreal fashion designers, Marisa Minicucci says Hogtown is definitely the pinnacle of the industry in Canada these days: “Right now Toronto is so much more vibrant than Montreal. You feel it. The demographic is also younger. It’s full of professionals, full of life. The consumers in Toronto are not as fashionable as in Montreal, but they are more hip and happening. There’s a lot more action in Toronto.” Olivia Colacci is a Toronto-based professional hair and makeup artist. The 24-year-old has worked everywhere from Montreal to Milan, and she just jetted back from Paris fashion week where she worked on the Chanel and Louis Vuitton shows. Colacci agrees there are definitely more clients and money in Toronto, although she admits Montreal is more of a high-fashion city. “There is way more work in Toronto and I do definitely think that the whole language issue in Montreal plays a part in it. Toronto is Englishspeaking and it’s a little easier to get things done,” explains Colacci. “Montreal is very cool and European and I love it as a city – it’s so inspiring. Toronto is more of a mish mash, but with greater opportunities.” Although the fashion scene in Montreal has downsized, Cyboran says it is in no way terminal: “There is still life on Chabanel with many wholesalers and distributors still set up here. As with the industry in general things are changing. A lot has to do with money and support of fashion. Here in Montreal our designers struggle. I know a few personally and know that they fight to make their business profitable. The consumer is just not there and not ready to spend the money. In Toronto, the challenge is different. There are more consumers willing to spend, but they might be more tempted by something from an international designer. They might opt for a piece from McQueen rather than Mikhael Kale.” Adaptability seems to be the name of the game in an industry that is unforgiving to retailers that do not meet the demands of consumers. For many in the fashion business, this means giving up the more traditional brickand-mortar storefronts and showcasing their creations online and at retail shows. That’s exactly what Marisa Minicucci is doing with the launch of her latest venture, As You Were Yoga. It’s a line of high-end yoga mat bags and homeware sold exclusively online. Outsourcing production to places such as China is another avenue retailers and designers are opting for. But, not everyone is so eager to move their operations elsewhere, despite the much cheaper costs. Fashion designer and Montreal native Nadya Toto is fiercely proud of her Made in Canada creations. “Everything is made here in Montreal; I still keep the control and the quality. Someone once asked me why I don’t produce in China, it’s so much cheaper. I said no way. First of all, I would lose all my stores. I built my brand for quality and for who I am and I would rather produce smaller quantities than sacrifice quality. I’m very happy with that.” Another spoke in the wheel of many Canadian designers and retailers is the lack of support from the government for the Made in Canada brand. Unlike places such as Italy where manufacturers have to meet strict standards to be able to carry the Made in Italy label, in Canada no such regulations exist. Travis Taddeo is a young designer who has struggled for recognition and marketability in an international industry where Canada is not a big player. “The reason Canadian designers can’t compete is the fault of Canada. They’ve done nothing to protect or help our own brands. We’ve let every country and company come in while we’re struggling with our own identity,” says Taddeo. “When you can run over to H&M and buy a T-shirt for five dollars, why would you spend $125 on a Made in Canada T-shirt?” Cyboran agrees that Canadian talent needs more support. “Designers need their designs to get noticed. Social media can be a very powerful tool for that, working with celebs and magazines as well. We do have some tremendous talent, here they just need to be able to play on the international stage.” 24

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nels qui proposent des promotions dépassées, des prix gonflés et des marques qui n’inspirent plus les acheteurs cibles, sont voués à disparaître» Alors que Cyboran et Soroka s’accordent pour dire que les habitudes d’achat des Canadiens vivent un tournant majeur, certains endroits au pays se portent mieux que d’autres. L’industrie du textile au Canada s’est longtemps concentrée dans le secteur de la rue Chabanel à Montréal. Comme Joey et son père Francesco, bon nombre d’ItaloMontréalais travaillaient dans le domaine du textile. Mais ce n’est plus le cas. « Chabanel était un endroit reconnu pour la production et la distribution de vêtements. Cette réalité est en train de changer, » admet Cyboran. “Plusieurs marques originellement rencontrées sur Chabanel ont aujourd’hui soit disparu ou plié bagage vers la Ville reine.» Les détaillants, attirés par l’argent, semblent vouloir suivre la parade le long de l’autoroute 401 au détriment de Montréal. En 2013, les organisateurs de la semaine de la mode de Montréal ont décidé de mettre fin à l’événement laissant derrière eux un vide important dans la métropole. La créatrice de mode montréalaise Marisa Minicucci affirme que Hogtown est désormais devenu le point de repère de l’industrie au Canada. « Toronto est maintenant beaucoup plus dynamique que Montréal. Ça se sent. La population est plus jeune. La ville est pleine de vie et rempli de professionnels. Les consommateurs à Toronto ne suivent peut-être pas autant la mode qu’à Montréal, mais ils sont plus branchés. Toronto déborde d’action. » Olivia Colacci travaille comme maquilleuse professionnelle à Toronto. L’artiste de 24 ans roule sa bosse un peu partout de Montréal à Milan et revient à peine de la semaine de la mode de Paris où elle a maquillé pour les défilés de Chanel et de Louis Vuitton. Colacci confirme que Toronto possède plus d’argent et davantage de clients, mais concède que Montréal est une ville vouée à la haute couture. « On trouve davantage de travail à Toronto et je crois sincèrement que la barrière linguistique à Montréal y est pour quelque chose. Toronto parle anglais et c’est beaucoup plus simple d’y faire avancer les choses, » explique Colacci. « Montréal possède un caractère européen très cool, c’est très inspirant. Toronto ressemble plus à un méli-mélo, mais présente beaucoup plus de possibilités. » Bien que la scène de la mode montréalaise se soit quelque peu réduite, Cyboran est d’avis que nous sommes encore loin de la phase terminale. « Chabanel grouille toujours de vie. On y retrouve encore plusieurs grossistes et distributeurs. Comme pour l’ensemble de l’industrie, les choses changent. Ça a beaucoup à voir avec l’argent et l’appui réservés à la mode. Les créateurs en arrachent un peu ici. J’en connais quelques-uns personnellement et je sais qu’ils font tout pour y arriver. Le consommateur ne répond simplement pas à l’appel et semble peu enclin à délier les cordons de sa bourse. À Toronto, les enjeux sont différents. Les clients prêts à dépenser sont beaucoup plus nombreux. Or, ceux-ci sont souvent attirés par les marques de créateurs internationaux. Leur choix s’arrêtera plus souvent sur un morceau signé McQueen aux dépens d’une griffe Mikhael Kale. » L’adaptabilité semble au coeur du problème dans une industrie sans pitié pour les détaillants qui tardent à répondre aux attentes des consommateurs. Pour plusieurs joueurs de l’industrie, ceci signifie abandonner leurs magasins pignon sur rue pour se rabattre vers la création de boutiques en ligne et les foires spécialisées. C’est exactement ce que s’évertue à faire Marisa Minicucci avec le lancement de son plus récent projet : As You Were Yoga, une ligne haut de gamme de tapis, sacs et accessoires de Yoga, exclusivement vendus en ligne. L’externalisation de la production vers la Chine constitue une autre option envisagée par de nombreux créateurs et détaillants. Certains d’entre eux rechignent toutefois à l’idée de déménager leurs opérations ailleurs, malgré l’appât d’économies substantielles. La créatrice de mode montréalaise Nadya Toto est particulièrement fière de ses créations Made in Canada. « Tout est fait ici-même à Montréal. Ça me permet de mieux contrôler la qualité. On m’a déjà demandé pourquoi je ne sous-traite pas en Chine, c’est beaucoup moins cher. J’ai répondu, pas question. Premièrement, je perdrais tous mes magasins. J’ai axé ma marque sur la qualité. C’est un moyen de refléter mes valeurs. Je préfère produire moins que lésiner sur la qualité. Je suis parfaitement à l’aise avec ça. » L’absence d’appui du gouvernement pour le label Made in Canada constitue un autre frein important selon plusieurs créateurs et détaillants canadiens. Contrairement à d’autres pays comme l’Italie où les fabricants doivent répondre à des normes de production très strictes pour bénéficier du label Made in Italy, le Canada ne possède aucune régulation du genre. Le jeune designer Travis Taddeo peine à se faire reconnaître et à commercialiser ses produits à l’étranger dans un contexte international où le Canada occupe une place négligeable. « Si les créateurs canadiens n’arrivent pas à s’imposer, c’est la faute du Canada. Rien n’est fait pour protéger ou aider nos marques. Nous avons permis à tous les pays et à toutes les marques de s’installer ici alors que nous cherchons encore à établir notre propre réputation, » s’exclame Taddeo. « Quand tu peux te procurer un T-shirt chez H&M pour cinq dollars, pourquoi dépenser 125$ pour un chandail Made in Canada ? » Cyboran abonde dans le même sens et plaide en faveur des créateurs d’ici. « Ils ont besoin d’être remarqués. Les médias sociaux sont un outil redoutable pour y parvenir, tout comme collaborer avec des célébrités ou des magazines. Il existe des talents remarquables au Canada qui méritent de jouer dans la cour des grands

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FASHION

Travis Taddeo Spring / Summer 2015 collection

Trending in Montreal These talented Montrealers tell Panoram Italia their style stories and share their take on Canada’s fashion industry. Travis Taddeo

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Photo by Vincenzo D’Alto

When Travis Taddeo stepped off the train from Calgary to Montreal in 2002, the aspiring fashion designer had one goal in mind: “Build an empire,” laughs the 34-year-old. “From an early age, I always knew that I was going to work for myself and 13 years ago, if you liked fashion, you had to go to Montreal. So that’s where I decided to move.” It was a big risk for a young man with nothing but a couple of suitcases and no connections in the city. Not to mention the fact that Taddeo was not very well-versed in the language of Molière. “I couldn't even get a job as a waiter,” he admits. “So I got a little job on Mont Royal at a boutique doing cut and sew T-shirts.” Taddeo eventually started his own line of t-shirts, selling them to friends and making a name for himself in the city’s underground scene. By the time he graduated from LaSalle College he was selling his creations in local boutiques and presenting during fashion week. Not bad for a guy who says he originally wanted to be a rock star but decided to settle for fashion design once he figured out he couldn't sing. “From an early age I was just excited by fashion in general,” says Taddeo. “I would watch Fashion File on TV on Saturday mornings and those bad eighties movies like Girls Just Wanna Have Fun or Troop Beverly Hills and just go sit in the corner and draw funny outfits.” Taddeo launched his own line of high-fashion streetwear in 2008, what the designer describes as “street-wear lux, minimalistic edge, clean lines and amazing fits.” His work has garnered much attention in Canadian fashion circles, winning the 2014 Canadian Arts and Fashion Award (CAFA) for Menswear Designer of the Year. Although Taddeo is well on his way to building the empire he envisioned when he first set foot in Montreal, the designer says he hasn’t arrived yet: “My dream is to have my own stores all over the world that extend well beyond fashion. I’ve still got miles to go and I just want to keep going.”

By Sara Germanotta

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FASHION

Nadya Toto

Photo by Vincenzo D’Alto

One of Nadya Toto’s prized possessions is an 80-year-old Phoenix sewing machine handed down to her by her grandmother Elisa: “When my grandparents came over from Italy in the 1950s, my grandmother had to fight with my grandfather to bring that machine. It’s very heavy, made of iron, but my Nonna fought for it and believe it or not they brought the machine on the boat,” laughs Toto. The 45-year-old fashion designer says she spent her childhood watching her grandmother sew everything from undergarments to gowns on that machine. “I come from a very artistic family so everything was handmade...from the underwear to the curtains, everything was sewn or crocheted by hand. The only thing my parents bought for me were shoes to go to school.” Growing up in such a creative family – her mother is also an artist – Toto says it was only natural for her to pursue a career in fashion design. Since launching her own label 25 years ago, Toto has become one of Canada’s premiere fashion designers. Her creations have been worn by A-list celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Drew Barrymore, and featured in Vogue magazine. She is recognised for her refined, elegant designs and beautiful fabrics. “The fabric is always the inspiration for my fashions and it usually starts at the Paris fabric show,” she explains. “This year, I was inspired by the Stampati Rinascente prints from my Italian supplier as well as vibrant florals from Japan.” While Toto says she is fiercely proud of her accomplishments as a Canadian fashion designer, she admits she has her sights set on conquering new markets. “I am working very closely with people in Milan and I hope to broaden my market there. I would say opening new markets is always a big challenge. But, when we conquer a new world, it feels like nothing is impossible.” Nadya Toto Spring / Summer 2015 collection

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FASHION

Marisa Minicucci

Marisa Minicucci Spring / Summer 2015 collection

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Photo by Vincenzo D’Alto

Montreal fashion designer Marisa Minicucci drafted her first pattern at the age of 14 on the pages of a La Presse newspaper. “It was a two-piece outfit, a jean vest with a matching skirt,” remembers Minicucci. “I used my sister as a mannequin and I put it together while my mother was out grocery shopping. She got home and asked, ‘Where did you buy this?’ You can imagine how surprised she was to see me wearing my outfit.” After studying fashion design at LaSalle College, Minicucci honed her craft working at Irving Samuel, a coat and suit manufacturer in Montreal. “The average age of the craftsmen in the factory was 70. It was my greatest challenge to sit with them and discuss how I wanted to update the looks of the garments. After a few discriminations about my age – and cries on my part – we found common ground and ended up making beautiful clothing,” says Minicucci. “They gave me the gift of passing on their knowledge and trusting that I would make something of it.” Today, the 52-year-old is one of Canada’s most well-established fashion designers with more than 30 years of experience under her belt. Her creations can compete in some of the most discriminating fashion markets and have even graced the prestigious red carpet at the Oscars. Now, it is Minicucci’s turn to pass the knowledge on to her daughter, Anissa. The pair has created their own label called Minicucci x Marcanio, making women’s jackets that Minicucci describes as “classic with a twist.” The duo has also recently launched As You Were Yoga, a label that sells couture yoga accessories, including leather and vegan yoga mat bags and sacred space decor. With such a wealth of accomplishments and experience in her arsenal, Minicucci is surprisingly quick to admit that her biggest achievement has nothing to do with fashion: “It’s my daughter. I am most proud of my daughter. She is my best creation.”

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FASHION

From Nonna Housecoats to Jersey Shore The dos and don’ts of Italian fashion “Italian” and “style” are synonymous, right? Well, yes, for the most part. But there are some missteps along the way that warrant an advisory. Here’s a look at the ups and downs of Italian-inspired fashion.

DON’T

La Bella Figura

The Nonna Look

Plenty of older Italian ladies still have style. Not only was lifetime Senator and medicine Nobel prize recipient Rita Levi Montalcino an intelligent and respected woman, she was also a highly distinguished lady that kept her elegance until the venerable age of 103. And she isn’t the only one. There are plenty of elderly woman who still have style and are committed to “la bella figura,” which means they’ll get decked out just to go to the local bakery to buy bread.

Even though we love our nonnas, is it still a prerequisite in 2015 to wear those ubiquitous black housecoats or that other nonna standby: the flower print dress? Both are accompanied by a rosary nestled in the nearest pocket. Is the archetype of the old Italian lady set in stone?

DON’T Shoes Make the Man Nothing beats a well-dressed, fashionable mature Italian man. Remember, shoes are a key component of a successful look and are important indicators of one’s personality.

The Nonno Sock-Sandal We all know a nonno who is fond of the deadly duo: socks and sandals. Once spring arrives, nonnos everywhere break out their white socks and dark sandals to do everything from mow the lawn to take a stroll. While nonno has comfort on his mind, this fashion faux pas is a major eyesore.

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DON’T Well-Tailored Suits

Mobster Suits

A classic well-tailored suit never goes out of fashion. One key point is that suits should be flat with the shoulder. For a more relaxed look, lose the tie and wear a wool V-neck instead. Jeans and a blazer is now an Italian trailblazer. For a hint of boldness, throw in an occasional bowtie.

While the mobsters in Goodfellas and The Sopranos embraced dusty, oversized, ill-fitting suits, it’s a fashion misstep that has no place beyond restaurant back rooms and pool halls.

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FASHION

DO Italian Style Wearing Italian jerseys and ITALIA attire should be reserved for World Cup fever. To avoid blatantly expressing your pride (and coming off as obnoxious), choose carefully selected Italian fashion items such as a pair of Superga, or classic combinations that will unmistakably make you look and feel Italian. Remember, it’s all about how you wear it. That’s what being Italian is all about.

DON’T The Jersey Shore Look The reality show bombarded viewers – and our culture – with orange tans, cleavage run amok, leopard prints, hair extensions and Ed Hardy T-shirts. The cast’s faintly Italian roots and over-the-top displays of “Italianess” warranted a shake of the head. In the end, the show (thankfully) lost its appeal and we all waved arrivederci to the guidos and guidettes who became an emblem of bad taste.

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FASHION

Italian Style with Attitude The secret behind Italian gals’ flair for fashion By Loretta N. Di Vita

isten to Italophiles speak of the raptures of Italy and, invariably, they will list alluring women among other notable delights. Yes, there is the Colosseum, the Amalfi coast, pizza, and Renaissance art. And there are the ladies – glamorous, stylish, and mesmerizing all at the same time. When Italian girls are attractive, they are uber attractive. But what exactly makes them so appealing? Could it be the Mediterranean sun? Could be. After all, the right ambient light certainly emphasizes good looks. Could it be the copious amounts of Omega-3-laden olive oil lubricating just about everything in their diet, and, consequently, gifting them with glowing skin? Checkmark on that one too. And then there are the clothes. A little Prada, Fendi, Miu Miu, and Dolce and Gabbana never hurt a girl. But there’s something else. It’s difficult to say exactly what that something is – as it’s one of those intangible qualities that transcend definition – but we’ll be darned if we don’t figure it out. Italians actually have a term for describing that something. Obviously, they’re just as baffled as the rest of us because they call it non so che (literally meaning, ‘I don’t know what’). Take a non-Italian beauty, dress her in the latest covetable clothes, line her up beside an Italian girl of equal good looks in the same clothes and the Italiana will stand out. Why? It should be like comparing apples and apples, oranges and oranges, right? But she has something. I can hear you screaming: What is it?

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Let’s dissect the style of some current Italian It Girls, and maybe, just maybe, this exercise in observation and admiration (and yes, a touch of envy) will lead us to the answer. There are Giorgia Tordini, Giovanna Battaglia, Chiara Ferragni, Frida Giannini, Gaia Repossi, Anna Dello Russo, to name a few. Ranging from classic to extreme, each one has a recognizable trademark style. Still, they all share a winning combination of moxie, an eye for novelty, and an aesthetic sensibility derived from the creativity-fuelled culture they were lucky enough to be born into. Like most Italian women, they love feminine touches: cascading hair, high heels, jewelry, arched brows, eyeliner, and peeks of bare skin. However, they’re well aware that the over-accumulation of girlie flourish can end up looking cartoonish at best, or vulgar at worst (picture Kim Kardashian sketched by a street caricaturist). So they will add an element, subtract an element, add one, remove one, until the sum is just right. To keep things interesting, they’ll play down one attribute to emphasize another. It’s almost mathematical: Striking a tasteful balance requires careful consideration of proportion, the studied distribution of key elements, and measured restraint. The modern It Girls would never wear one designer from head to foot, and, in an ironic counter-move against ‘fashion,’ they rebuke anything with an obvious designer logo. And though they all have their own individualistic style, consensus is that an outfit must appear to be curated rather than matchy-matchy. Too much of the same thing is too easy – a veritable style cop-out. Examine the details and you’ll see that the It Girls are a wonderful mess of studied (yet never so-admitted) contradiction: A feminine item juxtaposed against a boyfriend-borrowed piece; a tailored article jiving with a more laid-back one; a bohemian accessory breaking the monotony of a more classic ensemble. Are you getting the picture? Take, for example, Frida Giannini, former creative director of fashion powerhouse, Gucci. She can rock a cutout evening gown (Gucci, perhaps?) like nobody’s business, but she knows when to stop to avoid her glam look from going prom fussy. If her dress is formal, the rest of her is laid back, with centre-parted carefree hair, nude lips, and an intriguing piece of modern jewelry. Giorgia Tordini, a fashion blogger favourite, is the epitome of understatement, favouring menswear-inspired minimalist pieces, but, in that Italian sort of way, she knocks the drab out of them by adding contrastingly feminine accessories like handheld purses and lace-up booties. Fashion-eccentric extraordinaire, Anna Dello Russo, always shows up on the fashion radar flaunting eclectic ensembles in kaleidoscopic colour combos. Pushing the fashion envelope comes easy to her, and, somehow, her kooky numbers, teetering on tacky, end up looking cool and uncontrived (how does she do it?). Obviously comfortable in her own skin (never mind in knee-high gladiator sandals), she’s able to pull off looks few can get away with. She wears her clothes with self-confidence and a heavy dose of long-hair-don’tcare attitude. Aha! Did someone say attitude? By Giorgio, I think we may have unlocked the secret. Attitude could very well be the defining factor that has landed the Italian It Girl a centre-stage spot in the worldwide street-fashion arena. It’s the ability to ‘carry’ clothes instead of simply wearing them. And it all boils down to a strong sense of self (notice the author’s restraint in not saying narcissism), which commands not only a once-over, but a full-body head-to-toe eye scan. Certainly, élan is not the exclusive birthright of the Italian woman.“Non!”, “nein!”, “nee!” citizens of other nations will shout. It’s true that all nations boast plenty of divinely attractive women. It’s just that many of them look to the Italian ideal as their style template.

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FASHION

The Imperfectly Perfect Bello Finding out what gives Italian guys a fashion edge By Loretta N. Di Vita

talian men have a reputation. For dressing, that is. Anyone who follows fashion will agree that Italian masculine style is special. And not in the negative connotation of “Oh, yeah, that’s spesh alright!”, but in the more positive sense. Before further discussion, it should be noted that not all Italian men are stylish. But when they are, boy are they ever. It’s hard to say what makes many Italian men so chic. Granted, it doesn’t hurt that they live in an environment where fashionable clothes have long been designed and crafted. But there’s got to be more to it than easy access to Madein-Italy duds. Their sense of style transcends the obvious. It’s as though it’s hardwired – the result of a green, white and red genetic code. There’s surely some collective cultural sensibility at play. Italians have always loved il bello [beautiful things] and...themselves. Anyone who’s ever watched an Italian man fastidiously choose the day’s attire knows that effortless style requires... well... a lot of effort and a startling degree of selfabsorption. Clearly, all that primping and preening is driven by vanity and a sort of personal responsibility to adhere to the social expectations of a culture long enamoured with beauty. But heck who’s complaining? It makes for more pleasant scenery for the rest of us. So how exactly does the non-Italian (or one of the watered-down variety) succeed at emulating his Italian bro’s fashion know-how? The trick, it would seem, is in looking like you’re not trying too hard. It’s all about striking the right balance, achieving unstudied elegance, or, as the Italians themselves call it, sprezzatura. It’s a certain je ne sais quoi, which can only be attained by ignoring the conventions of formula dressing. In an exercise of sartorial wizardry, the attractive Italiano takes commonly-accepted fashion rules, bends them into a pretzel, and snaps them in half. No one knows better how to mess up the details in just the right manner, thereby turning a mediocre look into one worthy of a fingertip kiss. Contrary to an old-school take on fashion, it’s not absolute perfection that guys in the know and their admirers are after, but rather an imperfect sort of perfection. Let’s zoom in on some of the Pinteresque touches that elicit style envy and inspire endless copy-cat attempts. Take, for instance, the button-down collar left unharnessed out of fashionable intent rather than oversight; trouser cuffs rising inches above sock-bare ankles in brogues; the rebellious belt tip that refuses to be pinned down by a belt loop; or, perhaps, the brash contradiction of a tuxedo jacket combined with cargo pants. It’s the sum of such unorthodox choices that adds up to the nonchalance that has street-fashion bloggers and their followers bowing to Italian flair worldwide. Style is a complex circuitry of elements that need to work in harmony, not against each other, but with each other, producing dazzling displays of good taste and fashion forwardness. However, on closer analysis, there’s more to it than just clothes. There’s body language (particularly important to the gesticulating Italian), carriage, and the weightiest factor of all – self-confidence. Many of the most successful outfits take confidence to wear. Self-assurance is to fashion what peeled tomatoes are to ragù – essential. A dude has to be comfortable in his own skin before he can rock those threads. It’s true that all this hyper mirror-gazing turns out some strikingly alluring Italian men, just as capable of commanding a once-over as a Testarossa at a downtown intersection. But the question begs to be asked: Do these chaps have the horsepower their appealing exteriors would promise? Perhaps. But it doesn’t really matter because it’s the illusion that counts. Turning wishful thinking into truth – if he looks hot, he must be hot. And this belief is reinforced by popular media, which often chooses to characterize Italian men as gorgeous, libidinous creatures. Conjure up a seductive Raoul Bova in Under the Tuscan Sun, or the Mediterranean hunks in Gucci ads. But at the same time that media glorifies Italian men, they are also stereotyped as mammoni, or mamma’s boys. Still, leave it to the dashing Italian to shrug off the slightest suggestion of a flaw, maximize it to his advantage (like an ugly-attractive scar), and come out of it all the more intriguing. And that just might be the secret behind Italian masculine style: not caring. Or, at least, looking like you don’t care.

6873, Plaza St-Hubert Montréal, Québec 514.276.1360 www.italmoda.ca

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FASHION

Faked in Italy Knockoff fashion is big business in country once known for quality ware By Alessia Sara Domanico

he very place where the finest things are made has a dual identity as a Italian men and women with scarce academic credentials and migrants (many hotbed for counterfeit products. What does “Made in Italy” really mean undocumented) are tasked with carrying out simple and repetitive jobs for up anymore? Whether it’s outright forgery or creative assembly, we take a to 17 hours a day. Many of them aren’t in possession of an actual contract and look at the hot button issues surrounding the question. typically make a standard rate of €2-3 an hour. In some cases, individuals only Anyone who has taken a trip to Italy in the past 10 years has seen that earn for however many pieces they are able to complete each day. familiar sight, no not the Colosseum or Ponte Vecchio, but the string of African Chinese immigrants (one of the largest classes to be subjected to this line immigrants lined up side by side along the perimeter of these must-see areas. of work) are often forced into these jobs by stronger and more powerful figures Before their feet is their shop in the Chinese community, who window – a flat canvas sack have ties to organized crime. littered with knockoff designer They are exposed to poor condigoods like leather handbags, tions and wages for a number of wallets, belts, sunglasses, clothing, reasons such as: a lack of skills, art prints, pirated DVDs, CDs illegal residency, language barriand much more. As soon as the ers or the inability to integrate local police or carabinieri (Italy’s into Italian communities. Most of national military police) are in these workers are made to live in view, these men swiftly wrap up the very warehouses where they their sacks and make a run for it work. In 2013, a fire killed seven to avoid being hit with a fine or workers in the suburbs of Prato, taken in for questioning. Tuscany. They were living in plasWhile these men are the terboard homes with bars on “face of fake” in places such as their windows and few emerItaly, France, Spain and Turkey, gency exits. Their employer, they only represent the last step Teresa Moda, a Chinese wholein a much larger and intricate saler of “Made in Italy” fashions, process instigated by more powbuilt these homes for the workerful forces. The financial daily Il ers. “There are more and more Common street scene of counterfeit merchandise Sole 24 Ore estimates that Italy’s secret workshops, working counterfeit fashion industry is worth seven billion euros, accounts for 130,000 around the clock to produce fake goods,” says Confartigianato Imprese Firenze jobs and has caused a tax deficit of five million euros. Italy is by no means the (the Confederation of Florentine Artisan Businesses) chief Antonio Catanese only place where counterfeiting takes place, but it is a major player in the grand in an article published in the International Herald Tribune. “They tend to global scheme of things. specialize in leather goods because that is what is produced in the area.” Clothing sewn in Prato, leather goods from Florence, shoes from the An ocean away on New York’s Canal Street, another Chinese community Riviera di Brenta in Venice and a booming fashion black market in Naples – all is peddling fake wares such as the ones made at Teresa Moda in the backrooms of it imitation. This underground sector is harmful to tax-paying businesses and basements of their street front businesses. “You would never know the and world markets as well as to its most vulnerable stakeholders: its workforce. difference,” says a 28-year-old American housewife buying a knockoff Prada 38

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FASHION

“

There are more and more secret workshops, working around the clock to produce fake goods.

“

shoulder bag for $15 to New York Times reporter Denny Lee. “If you could buy six for the price of one, why wouldn't you?” But the injustice doesn’t begin and end with knockoffs; plenty of legitimate fashion houses are outsourcing their production and supplies. The price they pay to have items made for them in these western European sweatshops are a far cry from the mark-up they add on once they are retailed. High fashion tenders are a sad reality in areas like Campania where reputed fashion houses often send out commissions to execute their new collections. The tender goes out to several local manufacturers, but only one is rewarded, the others having lost time and valuable income trying to prove that they could handle the task at hand. So while your gown may have been dreamed up in some glamorous Roman studio, nine times out of ten it’s come to fruition in a steamy workshop in an impoverished seaside or hilly town. However, now there are exceptions to the rule. Brunello Cucinelli, aka the king of cashmere and laidback elegance, owns the entire town of Solomeo in Umbria, where 100% of his wares are lovingly made for the select few who can afford this rare luxury. Unlike the logo hungry fake seekers, Cucinelli is a brand that is known for quality, rather than a monogram. Its success after being taken public shows that the war on inauthenticity can be won.

But what about components? Just because something is assembled in Italy, does that mean it’s 100% Italian? France has the Origine France Garantie that assures consumers that a certain percentage of what they are buying is produced directly in the country. Italians have the mighty DOCG label for wine, olive oil and cheese, but not for jeans and handbags. While the Institute for the Protection of Manufacturers (ITPI) has introduced the 100% Made in Italy label, the topic is still wide open for interpretation. A notable luxury automobile brand has received this distinction, but Japanese spark plugs are used in its Formula One fleet, so as superb and Italian as the brand is, technically it can’t claim a 100% DNA across the board.

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LIVING ITALIAN STYLE

Go to panoramitalia.com and click on “Living Italian Style” to submit your profile!

Anthony Pagliaro Nickname: Anthony Pag Occupation: Student Age: 22 Generation: Third Dad’s side from: Sortino (Siracusa), Sicily Mom’s side from: Sipicciano & Galluccio (Caserta), Campania Speaks: English, Italian & French Raised in: West Island Clothes: Hugo Boss suit and shoes, Burberry shirt and belt. Favourite boutique: Italmoda Fashion idol: George Clooney Goal in life: To become a successful music producer. Thing about you that would surprise most people: I once played a role as Elvis Presley in my elementary school musical and won a music award for it. Favourite restaurant: Beatrice Favourite dish: Nonna Pasqui’s gnocchi Your best dish: My breakfast omelets Best pizza in Montreal: Zi Pep’s pizza in his wood-burning oven Best caffè in Montreal: Café Vanessa Favourite aperitivo: Grappa Favourite Italian saying: “Mangia, che ti fai grande.” 40

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You know you are ItalianCanadian if: Your mom still makes your bed in the morning. Last time you went to Italy: 2005 Favourite Italian town: Taormina, Sicily Musical preference: House music Favourite Italian song: “Senza Giacca e Cravatta” by Nino D’Angelo Italian soccer team: SSC Napoli Sexiest Italian: Monica Bellucci Best way to feel Italian in Montreal: Watching the World Cup and Euro Cup with all my Italian friends. How long have you been reading Panoram? 5 years What you like most about Panoram: How it keeps the Italian culture alive for all the generations.

Gabriella Musacchio Nickname: Gabby Occupation: Journalist Age: 21 Generation: Third Dad’s side from: Montelongo, Campobasso & Siracusa, Sicilia Mom’s side from: Palermo, Sicilia & Treviso, Venezia Speaks: English, French, Italian & Spanish Raised in: Dollard-Des-Ormeaux, Montreal Clothes: H&M dress, Yves Saint Laurent shoes, Louis Vuitton purse. Favourite boutique: www.cocoandkarl.com Fashion idol: Anna Dello Russo Passion: Studying fashion, from the history and figures to the fabrics and embroideries. Thing about you that would surprise most people: I am an absolutely crazy hockey sister. Favourite restaurant: Da Emma Favourite dish: Nonna Marisa’s pasta con sugo with a side of fried zucchini flowers and arancini. Your best dish: Undoubtedly my famous apple pie Best caffè in Montreal: San Simeon Favourite aperitivo: Aperol Spritz Preferred drinking establishment: My dad’s cantina…

Favourite Italian saying: “Il dolce far niente” You know you are ItalianCanadian if: Your nonna insists that you need to wear a wool scarf as of September, or else you might be the victim of “un colpo d’aria”! Sexiest Italian: Sophia Loren What you like most about Panoram: The travel section, because it always has me yearning for another trip to visit someplace new in Italy. Best memory growing up ItalianCanadian: Renting out a restaurant in Little Italy with family and friends to watch Italy win the world cup in 2006. The feeling in Little Italy after that win definitely goes unmatched. A proud moment for an Italo-Canadese, for sure!

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Photography by Vincenzo D’Alto

Makeup by: Jennifer Low

Location: 4th Annual Grand Gala, Le Madison

Jonathan Peter Borsellino Nickname: Borse, Jon Occupation: Part owner & gelato chef at Gelaterie Pierino Age: 20 Generation: Third Dad’s side from: Cattolica Eraclea (Agrigento), Sicily Mom’s side from: Campobasso & Naples Speaks: English, French & Italian Raised in: RDP Clothes: Hugo Boss pants, Simons shirt, Gucci watch, Zara tie, G-Star jacket. Favourite boutique: Zara Fashion idol: David Beckham Passion: Sports, music, gelato making Goal in life: To franchise Gelaterie Pierino Thing about you that would surprise most people: A Borsellino who doesn’t work in construction for a living. Pet peeve: Mom passing l’aspirapolvere while I’m sleeping. Favourite restaurant: Casa Cacciatore Favourite dish: Spaghetti alla carbonara Your best dish: My homemade gelato (Ferrero Rocher) Best caffè in Montreal: Café Riviera’s

Best panino in Montreal: Joe’s Panini at 4 a.m. Favourite vino: 7 Deadly Zins (vino rosso) Preferred drinking establishment: New City Gas You know you are ItalianCanadian if: You have been chased with la cucchiarella. Last time you went to Italy: 1998 Favourite Italian city or town: Agrigento, Sicily Favourite Italian song: “Rose Rosse” by Massimo Ranieri Italian soccer team: AC Milan Sexiest Italian: Claudia Romani How long have you been reading Panoram? Since my mom wanted my picture in it. Best memory growing up ItalianCanadian: Staring at the shrine of saints in the corner of my great nonna’s living room.

LIVING ITALIAN STYLE

Veronika Paventi Nickname: Vek, V Occupation: Area Manager at Arbonne International Age: 22 Generation: Third Dad’s side from: Campodipietra (Campobasso), Molise Mom’s side from: Seui (Ogliastra), Sardegna Speaks: Italian, English & French Raised in: RDP, Montreal Clothes: Editorial Boutique dress, Christian Louboutin heels, Chanel bracelet. Favourite boutique: Aritzia Boutique Fashion idol: Coco Chanel Passion: Travelling and meeting new people. Goal in life: To transform lives, give back, and be the best version of myself. Thing about you that would surprise most people: I don’t like watching TV. Pet peeve: Loud eaters Favourite restaurant: Estarios Milos Favourite dish: My nonna’s homemade cavatelli Your best dish: Lamb with roasted potatoes Best pizza in Montreal: Artigiani Pizzeria Cucina

Favourite aperitivo: Vodka lemonade Favourite Italian saying: “Il riso fa buon sangue.” You know you are ItalianCanadian if: Your nonna’s garden is bigger than her house. Favourite Italian song: “Più bella cosa” by Eros Ramazzotti Italian soccer team: Inter Milan Sexiest Italian: Anthony Gervasi Best way to feel Italian in Montreal: Going to Little Italy and having a gelato. How long have you been reading Panoram? 3 years What you like most about Panoram: Keeps me updated on the Italian community in Montreal. Best memory growing up Italian-Canadian: Saturday lunch at my nonna’s with my cousins. PANORAMITALIA.COM

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MOLISE

Molise

Pier and Old Termoli, Basso Molise

A journey off the beaten path into Italy’s back-country Viaggio fuori mano in un’ Italia remota By Francesca Spizzirri

Amid the Apennine ridge and the Adriatic Sea lies a land of immense natural beauty, history, art and age-old traditions that will take you on a journey off the beaten path to experience another kind of Italy – one untainted by the hands of time.

Fra la catena degli Appennini e il mare Adriatico giace una terra d’immensa bellezza naturale, di storia, d’arte e tradizioni antiche che vi condurranno in un viaggio fuori mano per vivere un altro tipo d’Italia – non intaccata dallo scorrere del tempo.

ncastonato tra l’Abruzzo e la Puglia lungo la costa adriatica dell’Italia centro-meridionale vi è il Molise, punto di transizione tra nord e sud Italia. Questa meravigliosa regione rocciosa con la sua ricchezza di colori e profumi, di campagne incontaminate, rovine emozionanti, foreste verdi e profonde acque blu, offre uno scorcio d’Italia autentica. Costellata da paesini pittoreschi, uliveti, vigneti, abbazie stupende, innumerevoli chiese e castelli, ci si meraviglia di come quest’oasi naturale rimanga prevalentemente ignota. La storia del Molise rispecchia quella dell’Abruzzo avendo ottenuto l’ indipendenza di recente, nel 1963. Occupato inizialmente dalle tribù dei Sanniti, il Molise fu successivamente conquistato dai Romani e poi dominato dai Longobardi, dai Goti e dai Normanni, i quali diedero il nome alla regione. La loro influenza collettiva è evidente ovunque. Questa regione montagnosa comprende la provincia di Isernia ad ovest e quella di Campobasso (capoluogo del Molise nonché capoluogo di provincia) ad est. Sebbene le città non vantino del lustro delle aree più rinomate d’Italia, possiedono un’ autenticità semplice ed un fascino che offrono una finestra sulla vita e sulla cultura italiane.

ucked between Abruzzo and Puglia along the Adriatic seashore in south-central Italy is Molise, the place where Italy transitions from north to south. This majestic mountain region with its wealth of colours and scents, unspoiled countryside, impressive ruins, green forests and deep blue sea, provides a glimpse of an authentic Italy. Dotted with picturesque villages, olive groves, vineyards, beautiful abbeys, countless churches and castles, it is a wonder how this natural oasis remains largely undiscovered. Molise’s history mirrors that of Abruzzo, having recently gained independence in 1963. Initially occupied by the Samnite tribes, Molise was then taken over by the Romans and later dominated by the Lombards, the Goths and the Normans, who gave the region its name. Their collective influence is evidenced throughout. This mountainous region is comprised of the provinces of Isernia to the west and Campobasso (the capital of Molise and of the province of Campobasso) to the east. Though the cities lack the luster of Italy’s more renowned areas, they possess a humble authenticity and charm that provide a window into Italian life and culture. 42

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MOLISE Rising between the Carpino and the Sordo rivers is the ancient town of Isernia with its quaint lanes and narrow alleyways. Its close proximity to Rome and Naples makes it a wonderful starting point for exploring the region. Isernia was once the capital of the Samnite people. A recent excavation in the nearby site of Pineta unearthed a 700,000-year-old settlement whose ancient relics are now displayed in the National Museum of Paleontology and Archaeology. Though most of Isernia’s historic centre was destroyed by earthquakes and wars, its beauty remains. The city’s most famous sites are the 14th century Fontana della Fraterna and the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Apostle with its famed dome and arch. When it comes to art, the ninth-century frescoes in the crypt of San Lorenzo in San Vincenzo al Volturno are a must see. In nearby Pastena, travellers can admire the spectacular Sanctuary of the Addolorata, on the steep mountains of Castelpetroso. Campobasso sits along the Biferno River surrounded by the Sannio and Matese mountains. The city’s historic streets are teeming with monuments and churches, the imposing fifteenth-century Manforte castle stealing the spotlight. Sites worth visiting are the Romanesque churches of San Bartolomeo and San Giorgio, the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate with its collection of carvings and wooden sculptures of sixteenth-century masters of Molise, and the Church of San Leonardo. History lovers will appreciate the Provincial Samnite Museum with its treasured exhibits from past civilizations and the Fair of the Mysteries. About fifteen kilometers from the city, rising from the mountain, is the Romanesque Santa Maria della Strada with the fifteenth-century Gothic sepulchre. At the foothills of the Matese mountains, near Sepino, you will find one of Molise’s hidden treasures – the ancient Roman city of Saepinum – where the fascinating remains of a basilica and theatre are surrounded by medieval houses and intensely green fields and forests. Sepino is also renowned for its thermal baths, perfect for unwinding and relaxing. In Molise, old-world customs and traditions thrive and perhaps it is this “old-fashioned world” that visitors seek. Ancient traditions, such as the transumanza, the seasonal migration of herds along ancient sheep-droving routes (tratturi), have remained intact for over 3000 years. Today, these scenic trails are also used as mountain-bike and horseback-riding trails.

Tra i fiumi Carpino e Sordo sorge l’antica città di Isernia con i suoi viottoli pittoreschi e i suoi vicoli stretti. La sua vicinanza a Roma e Napoli la rende un ottimo punto di partenza per esplorare la regione. Isernia fu un tempo capitale del popolo dei Sanniti. Recenti scavi presso la vicina località di Pineta hanno portato alla luce un insediamento di 700.000 anni fa, i cui resti antichi sono oggi esposti al Museo Nazionale del Paleolitico. Sebbene la maggior parte del centro storico d’Isernia sia stata distrutta da terremoti e guerre, la sua bellezza rimane. I luoghi più rinomati della città sono la Fontana della Fraterna e la Cattedrale di San Pietro Apostolo con i suoi famosi arco e cupola, risalenti al XIV secolo. Per quel che riguarda l’arte, gli affreschi del nono secolo nella cripta di San Lorenzo a San Vincenzo al Volturno vanno visti. Nella vicina Pastena, i viaggiatori possono ammirare lo spettacolare Santuario dell’Addolorata, sulle montagne scoscese di Castelpetroso. Campobasso sorge lungo il fiume Biferno ed è circondata dai monti del Sannio e del Matese. Le strade storiche della città sono ricche di monumenti e chiese, con l’imponente castello Manforte del 15esimo secolo a rubare la scena. Siti degni di una visita sono le chiese romaniche di San Bartolomeo e San Giorgio, la Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate con la sua collezione di intagli e sculture lignee dei maestri molisani del sedicesimo secolo e la Chiesa di San Leonardo. Gli appassionati di storia apprezzeranno il Museo Provinciale Sannitico con le sue preziose esposizioni di civiltà antiche e la Sagra dei Misteri. A circa quindici chilometri dalla città, si staglia dalla montagna la romanica Santa Maria della Strada con il sepolcro gotico del quindicesimo secolo. Alle falde delle montagne del Matese, vicino a Sepino, troverete uno dei tesori molisani nascosti – l’antica città romana di Saepium – dove i resti affascinanti della basilica e del teatro sono circondati da edifici medievali e campi e foreste di un verde intenso. Sepino è inoltre rinomata per i suoi bagni termali, perfetti per distendersi e rilassarsi. In Molise, abbondano antichi costumi e tradizioni ed è forse questo “mondo dal fascino antico” ciò che cercano i visitatori. La transumanza ad esempio, ovvero la migrazione stagionale del bestiame lungo arcaici percorsi per pascoli (tratturi), rimane invariata da oltre 3000 anni. Oggi, questi sentieri pittoreschi sono anche utilizzati come percorsi per le mountain-bike o per andare a cavallo.

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Molise, with its hidden emerald lakes and succession of gently sloping or steeply inclined hills creates a dreamy landscape. It is the perfect haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Walk, hike, raft, camp or zip line through the unspoiled beauty of WWF Nature Reserve in GuardaregiaCampochiaro. Adventure seekers can revel in the thrilling ski slopes of Campitello Maltese and the renowned cross-country ski trails of Capracotta. It is fun for the whole family! On the east coast is Costa dei Trabocchi, Molise’s Riviera, where beach lovers can partake in a variety of watersports or sunbathe on a succession of dazzling white sand beaches that stretch along the region’s 35 km of striking coastline. Termoli, the main beach resort and the region’s only major port, is a modern city filled with pastel-coloured homes. Its enchanting borgo antico (old town) is situated on a coastal promontory and preserves traces of its glorious past. From the port, visitors can set sail to explore the Tremiti Islands; a beautiful archipelago renowned for its crystalline shallow waters, jagged coastline, abundant grottoes and coves, as well as archaeological ruins. South of Termoli are several centuries-old Albanian towns that pay homage to the language and traditions of their Albanian ancestors. In the villages of Ururi, San Martino in Pensilis and Portocannone, locals still celebrate the annual Corsa dei Carri, a chariot race held each summer. The region is host to many yearly festivals and events that keep local traditions alive such as the Fuochi di San Antonio, an ancient folklore festival in Jelsi; the International Bagpipe Festival in Scapoli; the Feast of 44

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Landscape, Alto Molise

Il Molise, con i suoi laghi nascosti di color verde smeraldo e il susseguirsi di colline ora leggermente inclinate, ora a picco, presenta un paesaggio da sogno. Costituisce un rifugio perfetto per gli appassionati della vita all’aperto. Passeggiate, fate escursioni, rafting, campeggio o zip-line (teleferica) in una delle riserve naturali e incontaminate del WWF a Guardaregia-Campochiaro. Gli amanti dell’avventura possono deliziarsi sulle piste da sci elettrizzanti di Campitello Maltese e i percorsi rinomati di sci di fondo di Capracotta. Il divertimento è per tutta la famiglia! Sulla costa orientale vi è la costa dei Trabocchi, il lungomare molisano, dove gli amanti della spiaggia possono praticare una varietà di sport acquatici o possono abbronzarsi in un susseguirsi di spiagge dalla sabbiabianco lucente che si estendono lungo 35 chilomentri di costa spettacolare. Termoli, principale località balneare e unico porto maggiore della regione, è una città moderna piena di case dai colori pastello. Il suo affascinante borgo antico si trova su un promontorio costiero e conserva tracce del suo passato glorioso. Dal porto, i visitatori possono salpare per andare a visitare le isole Tremiti: un bell’arcipelago rinomato per le sue acque basse e cristalline, le sue coste frastagliate, le numerose grotte e caverne, così come per i suoi resti archeologici. A sud di Termoli sorgono diverse cittadine albanesi centenarie che rendono omaggio alla lingua ed alle tradizioni dei loro antenati albanesi. Nei paesini di Ururi, San Martino in Pensilis e Portocannone, gli abitanti celebrano l’annuale Corsa dei Carri, una competizione che si tiene ogni estate. La regione, ogni anno, organizza numerosi festival ed eventi che mantengono PANORAMITALIA.COM

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MOLISE

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Corpus Christi in Campobasso; the White Truffle Fair in San Pietro Avellana; La ‘Ndocciata, a Christmas torch-lit procession in Agnone; Pezzata, the Lamb Festival in Capracotta, and many more. One of the oldest wine regions in Italy, Molise’s combination of sun and hilly terrain creates the ideal conditions for producing excellent wines such as the Biferno and Pentro. From rolling hills to seascape, Molise’s culinary delights are a bountiful fusion of local, northern and southern cooking traditions. Locally-grown ingredients such as sheep, sheep’s milk and lamb are abundant in regional dishes. The Pecorino, Scamorza, Caciocavallo and Provolone cheeses are delicious, in particular when accompanied by local wines and cured meats. The second-largest producer of truffles in Italy, Molise is known for its white truffles and scorzone truffles. The traditional cavatelli pasta is renowned, as is the extra-virgin olive oil. Seafood recipes include anchovies, swordfish, mussels and clams. This combination of mari e monti is exquisite! The next time you are visiting the Bel Paese, take a journey off the beaten path to Molise, an enchanted land of natural beauty, to experience a genuine Italian holiday.

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La ‘Ndocciata, a Christmas torch-lit procession in Agnone

vive le tradizioni locali, ad esempio: i “Fuochi di Sant’Antonio”, un’antica festa folcloristica a Jelsi; il Festival Internazionale della Zampogna di Scapoli; la festa del Corpus Christi a Campobasso; la Sagra del Tartufo Bianco a San Pietro Avellana; “La ‘Ndocciata”, una sfilata natalizia di fiaccole, ad Agnone; la Pezzata, sagra dell’agnello a Capracotta, e molti altri. Tra le regioni più antiche per la produzione del vino, la combinazione tra sole e terreni collinari del Molise crea le condizioni ideali per la produzione di vini eccellenti quali il Biferno e il Pentro. Dalle colline ondulate al paesaggio marino, le delizie della cucina molisana nascono da un’ottima fusione delle tradizioni locali, del nord e del sud. Ingredienti locali quali pecora, latte di pecora e agnello abbondano nei piatti regionali. Il pecorino, la scamorza, il caciocavallo e il provolone sono deliziosi, in particolare se accompagnati da vini e insaccati locali. Secondo produttore d’Italia di tartufi, il Molise è noto per i suoi tartufi bianchi e per il tartufo “scorzone.” Sono anche rinomati i cavatelli, un tipo di pasta, e l’olio extravergine d’oliva. Le ricette a base di pesce includono acciughe, pescespada, cozze e vongole. La combinazione mari e monti è squisita! La prossima volta che visitate il Bel Paese, spostatevi fuori mano in Molise, terra incantata della bellezza incontaminata, per assaporare una vacanza italiana genuina.

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Four Canadian soldiers look up at a billboard titled “Canada Town,” in old Campobasso (1943) Photo by Lieutenant Jack H. Smith, Library and Archives Canada PA: 213690.

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“

I spent so much time in Italy and saw so much that I feel that I belong there. Sometimes it’s like I’m going home.

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When Canada Came to Campobasso Remembering the courage of Second World War Canadian soldiers By Rita Simonetta

ctober 1943. Four soldiers – all Canadian – stand on a street corner and look up at a billboard titled “Canada Town.” Arrows point to various destinations including one called “Beaver Club.” The photograph, which is now a part of Library and Archives Canada, tells a story that many Canadians might not know: the enduring Canadian connection to the Italian province of Campobasso in Molise, and its enduring connection to thousands of Second World War Canadian soldiers and their families. The picture was taken the same month that Canadian soldiers liberated Campobasso from the Nazi German army. It was an important victory of the Italian Campaign when more than 93,000 Canadian soldiers fought alongside allied forces from 1943 to 1945 to help liberate Italy from fascist forces. Capturing Campobasso was a morale boost for the Canadians. “It had all these different roads going in all these different directions, so whoever controlled the roads would have access to all the compass points,” explains Ian McCowan, a tour guide from Connection Tours, which visits sites in Italy where Canadian troops fought in the Second World War. Although towns surrounding Campobasso were badly damaged, the capital itself did not see prolonged fighting, so it was spared the devastation witnessed in other parts of Italy such as Ortona. But Campobasso – and its inhabitants – still suffered the brunt of being caught in a war. “Food delivery systems had collapsed; we see that throughout southern Italy at that point,” says Mark Zuehlke, a military historian who has published several books about the Italian Campaign. And there was the overflow of refugees, a carefully crafted strategy by the German army. Jeff Noakes, a Second World War historian at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, explains that the “refugee problem made it much harder for the allies because they not only had to deal with the Germans but with refugees as well.” Although the issues they faced were overwhelming, the Canadians offered support in the form of food supplies and medical help for the local population and coordinated a system to return refugees to their homes. While some Italians greeted the Canadians as liberators, this reaction was not unanimous. The Canadians received both gratitude and derision from the Italian locals, says Eric McGeer, the author of a series of three books entitled The Canadian Battlefields in Italy “It was a mixed reaction and it

changed from village to village,” he points out, adding that some locals still sympathized with Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, who had led Italy into war alongside Nazi Germany and Japan. Once they had driven out the Germans, the Canadians established an administrative and military base in Campobasso. Makeshift hospitals were set up to care for the wounded, the Salvation Army rushed in medical supplies, and additional material was transported in. The Canadians also established recreation centres such as the Maple Leaf Club and transformed the town Fascist youth centre into the Beaver Club. The clubs provided a home away from home and a much-needed chance for the soldiers to take a break from the battle lines. They went there to write letters home, read newspapers, or play a game of darts. Travelling musical bands and comedy acts entertained the troops, and Hollywood films were brought over, giving the soldiers an opportunity to catch up on the glamour and make-believe that was a universe away from their harsh realities. Campobasso became such an integral part of their lives that the Canadian soldiers dubbed it “Canada Town.” And for a time it was. But after spending the fall there, it was time to move north. Maurice White, a Second World War veteran, spent a few days in Campobasso on his way to Ortona, where he lost countless comrades. This past February, White received the Congressional Gold Medal from Washington for his role in the Devil’s Brigade, a joint American-Canadian elite military unit. White, who is 90 years of age, was just 17 when he enlisted. “The old Italian ladies called me ‘bambino,’” he recalls fondly. Nowadays, the native of Edmonton, Alberta, gives talks to students about his experiences in an effort to educate future generations about the toll of war. Since the War, he has travelled to Italy nine times. “A lot of my friends are buried there,” he explains. But there is another reason White has returned so often to a country where he saw so much pain and was forced to grow up so fast. “I think that I belong there to a certain extent,” he says. “I spent so much time in Italy and saw so much that I feel that I belong there. Sometimes it’s like I’m going home.”

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Molise on your plate! Il Molise nel vostro piatto! Recipes prepared by Chef Vittorio Veri of Chez Enzo restaurant in Varennes (Qc). He hails from Larino (Campobasso), Molise. Ricette preparate dallo Chef Vittorio Veri del ristorante Chez Enzo, di Varennes (Qc). Nativo di Larino (Campobasso), Molise. Photography by Fahri Yavuz

Baccalà arracanate

Instructions / Istruzioni

Ingredients / Ingredienti

Pat dry baccalà with a towel and cut into medium size pieces. Brown fish in a pan then transfer to a baking pan. Sauté onions and garlic and layer on baccalà. Add a layer of potatoes with a bit of parsley and oregano. Bake in oven for about an hour at 350° F. Serve. *Variation: you can also add tomatoes and raisins

• 1 kg pat dried soaked baccalà (salt cod) / 1 kg baccalà spugnato • 4 - 5 onions, sliced / 4 - 5 cipolle tagliate a fette • 5 - 7 large potatoes, sliced / 5 - 7 patate grandi, tagliate a fette • 2 garlic cloves, chopped / 2 spicchi d’aglio sminuzzato • A handful of parsley / 1 pugnetto di prezzemolo • A bit of oregano / 1 pizzico di origano

Tamponare il baccalà con uno strofinaccio e tagliarlo a pezzi di media grandezza. Rosolare il pesce in una pentola e poi disporlo su una teglia con olio d’oliva. Soffriggere l’aglio e le cipolle. Coprire il baccalà con uno strato di cipolle. Aggiungere poi le patate con un pizzico di prezzemolo e di origano. Lasciar cuocere nel forno per circa un’ora a 350° F. Servire. *Variante: è possibile aggiungere pomodori e uvetta PANORAMITALIA.COM

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Tagliolini alla molisana Ingredients / Ingredienti • ½ kg egg tagliolini / ½ kg di tagliolini all’uovo • 150 g prosciutto, cut into cubes / 150 g di prosciutto tagliato a cubetti • 1 onion, finely chopped / 1 cipolla, finemente tritata • 1 hot red pepper / 1 peperoncino piccante • 1 garlic clove (chopped in half) / 1 spicchio d’aglio (tagliato a metà) • 1-2 tbsp. chopped parsley / 1-2 cucchiai di prezzemolo tritato • 1-3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil / 1-3 cucchiai d’olio extravergine d’oliva • Salt & pepper to taste / Sale e pepe a piacere

Instructions / Istruzioni In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add in the tagliolini. In the meantime, heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic and onion. Cook slowly, adding in the hot pepper and the prosciutto. Once the tagliolini are boiled, transfer to pan with a bit of cooking water. Add parsley and stir. Serve topped with grated parmigiano cheese to taste. In una grande pentola, portare ad ebollizione dell’acqua salata ed aggiungere i tagliolini. Nel frattempo, riscaldare l’olio d’oliva in una padella e far rosolare l’aglio e la cipolla. Lasciar cuocere lentamente, aggiungendo il prosciutto tagliato a cubetti e il peperoncino. Una volta cotti i tagliolini, trasferirli in padella insieme al condimento con un po’ d’acqua di cottura. Aggiungere del prezzemolo tritato e mescolare bene. Servire con parmigiano grattugiato a piacere.

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Pollo ciffe e ciaffe Ingredients / Ingredienti • A chicken weighing about 1 kg / 1 pollo di circa 1 kg • 250-500 g ripe tomatoes, diced (you can also use canned tomatoes) / 250-500 g pomodori maturi a dadini (è possibile anche usare pomodori pelati) • 2 garlic cloves (sliced or squashed) / 2 spicchi d’aglio (tagliato a fette o schiacciato) • 1 hot red pepper / 1 peperoncino piccante • A sprig of rosemary / 1 rametto di rosmarino • 1-3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil / 1-3 cucchiai d’olio extravergine d’oliva • Salt to taste / Sale a piacere

Instructions / Istruzioni Wash chicken and cut into 8 to 10 pieces. Heat olive oil in a pan and add chicken. Brown meat at medium heat and add garlic, rosemary and hot pepper. Season with salt. Add tomatoes and cook for about an hour, adding hot water if necessary. Serve. Lavare il pollo e tagliarlo in 8-10 pezzi. Riscaldare l’olio d’oliva in una padella e aggiungere il pollo. Rosolarlo a fuoco moderato ed aggiungere l’aglio, il rosmarino e il peperoncino. Condire con sale. Aggiungere i pomodori e far cuocere per circa un'ora, unendo acqua calda, se necessario. Servire.

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L’équipe des Giovani, San Martino in Pensilis

La Carrese La passion de la tradition Par Gabriel Riel-Salvatore

haque année à la fin du mois d’avril et au début du mois de mai, les villages d’Ururi, San Martino in Pensilis, Portocannone et Chieuti célèbrent leur saint patron protecteur de manière fort originale en organisant la Carrese, l’une des plus célèbres et plus authentiques traditions du Molise. La Carrese, aussi appelée «carriera» ou «corsa dei carri,» consiste à parcourir un tracé tortueux de près de 9 km composé de routes de campagne en partie asphaltée avec un char tiré par une paire de boeufs spécialement entraînés. Dans une course effrénée, tels des purs sangs, ces bêtes accompagnées par une équipe de cavaliers, galopent à toute allure vers la ligne d’arrivée, atteignant une vitesse de pointe de 40 à 45 km à l’heure. Le parcours prend naissance dans la campagne environnante pour se terminer en plein centre ville, dans la piazza centrale du village. L’équipe qui

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traverse la première la porte de la cité remporte la course, souvent dans une ambiance de chaos, de délire, de pleurs, de rires et d’accolades. Lors des célébrations qui s’en suivent, seuls les vainqueurs ont le droit de parader avec l’effigie du saint patron à bord de leur char pendant la sainte procession. Le village se plonge alors dans une ambiance de fête et de réconciliation. Tous ceux qui assistent pour la première fois à la Carrese gardent un souvenir inoubliable de cette fête remplie d’émotions. Les décorations qui endimanchent les chars et habillent les villages pour l’occasion appuient ce sentiment d’euphorie qui habitent les villageois et qui envahit les visiteurs en les poussant à choisir leur camp. C’est ainsi que depuis des siècles on honore la relique du Santo Legno della Croce le 2 mai à Ururi, de San Leo à San Martino in Pensilis le 3 mai, de San

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dialecte local. La dévotion que portent les habitants à leurs bêtes relève de l’idolâtrie. Traitées aux petits oignons, les boeufs entraînés pour la Carrese n’ont rien à envier à leurs cousins japonais de Köbe.

Inébranlables, ces allégeances crée parfois de profondes divisions au sein des villages. Pour prévenir les fuites et conserver secrètes les stratégies de chaque équipe, les villageois de chaque clan comptent leurs propres bars et leurs propres lieux de rencontre.

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Giorgio à Chieuti le 22 avril et de la Madonna di Costantinopoli à Portocannone le dimanche de la pentecôte. C’est la bénédiction des chars lors de la messe sainte qui sonne le début des festivités qui s’échelonnent sur trois jours. Lors de la procession à laquelle participent tous les gens du village, les chars, drapés de fleurs, de feuilles de laurier, de rameaux d’olivier et de banderoles de couleurs, sillonnent les rues du village ravivant la ferveur des équipes et les espoirs de victoire. Les soirées de fêtes sont animées par des spectacles de musiques et culminent par un feu d’artifice. De deux à quatre équipes (mais parfois plus) s’affrontent chaque année. Chacun des camps possède ses couleurs traditionnelles que les supporters arborent fièrement lors du jour «j» en signe d’appui à leur équipe. À Ururi par exemple les Giovani et les Giovanotti, les deux rivaux ancestraux, portent respectivement des habits bleu et blanc et rouge et jaune. Chaque équipe est composée d’une vingtaine de cavaliers et de deux jockeys pour la plupart originaires du village. Afin d’éviter toute tricherie, les équipes sont régies par des normes et des règles enchâssées dans la constitution municipale que les équipiers s’engagent à respecter scrupuleusement. Ces groupes qui sont en fait de véritables clans, bénéficient de l’appui de leur famille et de leurs amis. Inébranlables, ces allégeances sont pour la vie, ce qui, à l’instar des rivalités entre les contrade (quartiers) à Sienne, crée parfois de profondes divisions au sein des villages. Pour prévenir les fuites et conserver secrètes les stratégies de chaque équipe, les villageois de chaque clan comptent leurs propres bars et leurs propres lieux de rencontre. La course requiert une minutieuse préparation qui s’échelonne sur l’année. Les boeufs de race Podolica sont attentivement sélectionnés selon leur attributs physiques et leur aptitude à la course et sont traités tels de vrais athlètes. Les étables où sont logés les animaux de course s’apparentent à petits temples où chacun des membres de l’équipe effectue sa corvée quotidienne afin de veiller à la propreté et à l’entretien des lieux. Car, l’organisation de la Carrese fait figure de religion dans ce coin du Molise, constituée en partie d’anciens villages albanais où l’on emploie d’ailleurs encore l’arberësh (ancien albanais) comme

MOLISE

Les membres de chaque faction, avec l’appui de leurs tifosi, s’engagent à honorer l’importante charge financière associée à l’entretien des bêtes. Les coûts pour maintenir en forme une paire de taureaux peuvent facilement s’élever à 20,000 euros par année. Il en va de même pour les chevaux, ce qui explique pourquoi c’était généralement les familles nobles qui par le passé avaient seules les moyens de se payer une écurie et de s’enorgueillir des faveurs du saint. Si vous comptez vous attarder dans le Molise pendant l’été, les villages de Ururi et de San Martino in Pensilis organisent aussi des Carrese les 9 et 13 août. Bien qu’essentiellement organisées pour les touristes, elles demeurent tout de même fort originales. Une visite dans une des écuries locales vous permettra de constater toute la passion qui anime les cavaliers et l’amour qu’ils vouent à leurs bêtes. Pour ce faire, il est toutefois préférable d’avoir un contact. Certains organisent même des randonnées à cheval dans les anciens sentiers de la transhumance, le tratturo local, qui sillonnent la campagne vallonneuse du basso Molise ou vous convient à des dégustations champêtres à la découverte de produits typiques tels que le vin de Tintilia, l’huile d’olive à base de Gentile di Larino, de succulents sotto oli, ou encore la fameuse pampanella (prochetta piquante) et les torcinelli (saucisse de boyaux d’agneau) grillés sur charbon de bois.

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MOLISE

Transumanza e Viaggio alla scoperta delle Claudia Buscemi Prestigiacomo gli ultimi resti di quel “tratturo antico” cantato da D’Annunzio continuano ad esistere oggi, lo dobbiamo anche a una donna, ultima “cowgirl” d’Italia, Carmelina Colantuono. Quella della transumanza è pratica antichissima, fatta di riti e sacrifici, di sudore e dedizione. Ogni anno i gesti si ripetono identici, cadenzati dai ritmi della natura, compiuti dall’opera dei pochi che non vogliono perdere quel legame ancestrale con la propria storia. Nell’attesa di una luna piena che agevoli il viaggio dalla pianura pugliese alle alture molisane, dove i pascoli estivi saranno più verdi, si portano prodotti lattiero-caseari al santuario di San Matteo e San Marco in Lamis; si benedicono animali e mandriani e, infine, si procede con “l’accampanamento, che consiste nel mettere i campanacci di dimensioni più grandi alle vacche più vecchie che guidano la mandria.” – spiega Carmelina. Francesco Carmelo Moselli, nato a Montreal da genitori molisani, descrive così il momento della partenza della transumanza: “Erano circa le 15:00 e all’improvviso le mucche erano ansiose di muoversi. Tutte e 250!! Si poteva avvertire la loro tensione. Volevano avanzare e dirigersi verso le montagne. Onestamente, tutti sentivamo lo stesso desiderio!!! Tutti volevamo spostarci!!” Quella della transumanza è una storia che rischierebbe di perdersi nell’oblio, fagocitata dal cemento e dalle lungaggini burocratiche, se non fosse per

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un gruppo determinato ed audace, capeggiato per l’appunto dalla famiglia Colantuono e da chi come loro non ci sta a vederla scomparire. Sebbene la maggioranza degli allevatori, dinnanzi a guadagni più proficui, abbia preferito passare a razze di mucche non autoctone e non abituate a spostarsi, i Colantuono hanno preferito “fare qualità e non quantità”. Vivendo allo stato brado, le loro mucche per sopravvivere hanno bisogno di spostarsi assecondando il ciclo delle stagioni. Il bisogno di proteggere questa tradizione nasce anche “dalla voglia di far conoscere a tutti, in particolare alle nuove generazioni, una pratica agropastorale che ha interessato il Molise e tutta l'Italia Meridionale per secoli. Essa rappresenta l'identità delle genti meridionali, su di essa è ruotata tutta l' economia dei piccoli borghi, nati ai bordi dei Tratturi” – afferma la stessa Carmelina. Inoltre, a proposito di questi ultimi aggiunge: “hanno visto il passaggio della transumanza ma anche degli eserciti, dei pellegrini, dei commercianti ... Sono dei veri monumenti nazionali formatisi nell'arco di milioni di anni.” Oltre a portare avanti “un allevamento che rispetti i tempi della natura e il benessere degli animali” senza puntare alle produzioni di massa, l’obiettivo dei sostenitori della transumanza è anche quello di proteggere un patrimonio storico-culturale fatto di architettura, archeologia, enogastronomia. Quest’obiettivo comune li porta a condividere un progetto ambizioso, condotto da un’agenzia di

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MOLISE

E vanno pel tratturo antico al piano, quasi per un erbal fiume silente, su le vestigia degli antichi padri.

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Tratturi

Transumanza, Villaggio di Frosolone (Isernia, Molise)

proprie radici sviluppo (Moli.Gal), per ottenere il riconoscimento dei “Tratturi e della Civiltà della Transumanza” da parte dell’UNESCO. Seppur non esista ancora un vero e proprio pacchetto turistico, ogni anno gente proveniente da tutt’Italia e da varie parti del mondo decide di vivere quest’esperienza di tre-quattro giorni, seguendo a piedi o a cavallo la mandria, nel suo spostamento dal Gargano, Puglia, a Frosolone, provincia di Isernia. Tra questi, nel maggio 2011, vi era per l’appunto Maselli, partito da Montreal in compagnia di un amico, pur senza sapere cosa aspettarsi da quell’avventura. “Le parole non possono descrivere l’esperienza. Bisogna viverla, provarla per comprenderla... Ha cambiato la mia vita... Ho ritrovato le mie radici!” Al giorno d’oggi la tecnologia aiuta soprattutto durante le fasi di preparazione, ovvero “facilita nello spostamento, per segnalare qualsiasi problema in tempo reale tra i mandriani, le forze dell’ordine che ci scortano sulle strade e comunicare con i giornalisti o amatori, che vengono per vedere e partecipare alla transumanza” – spiega Carmelina. Tuttavia, come già accennato, è una di quelle esperienze in cui non conta solo la meta. Maselli la descrive così: “Camminare lungo i campi non suscitava solo stupore, era qualcosa di cui impossessarsi, da immortalare. Mentre le mucche proseguivano, l’odore della lavanda, il rosmarino ed altri profumi che ancor oggi non riesco a identificare erano incredibili. Il suono dei campanacci era, senza ombra di dubbio, spirituale e illuminante nel contempo!”

Carmelina Colantuono della fattoria Colantuono

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MOLISE

Marvelous Molise Meals By Amanda Fulginiti

olise hides in Italy’s tourism shadows making it a key destination for those looking for authentic culinary adventures. Bordered on the east by the Adriatic Sea, it is one of the smallest regions of the country and shares its borders with the regions of Campania, Lazio, Puglia and Abruzzo. Living off the land is a vital aspect of Molisani tradition and thus cuisine is simplistic in nature. Most people live in rural areas where farming is both traditional and necessary to keep families alive and healthy. Livestock like sheep, goats, pigs and cattle stock have been cultivated for centuries, but have historically been raised as a form of currency rather than food. The tradition of travelling with one’s livestock to Abruzzo or Puglia for sale at the markets means that Molisani recipes are often vegetarian or use very small amounts of meat, just for flavouring. Beans, potatoes, grapes and olives are their primary crops, and in true Italian fashion, liberal use is made of olive oil, chilies and garlic. Durum wheat is also important to the region, so pastas are both hearty and abundant. Like most of Italy, cuisine is an affair to remember with many dishes to try and savour as you make your way across its breathtaking mountainous landscape. Scamorza: A firm textured, pear-shaped cheese similar to mozzarella, made from cow’s milk. Brodetto termolese (di Tornola): A fish stew hailing from Termoli, a town on the Adriatic coast devoted to fishing. The broth uses whatever is not sold from the fresh catches of the day and is categorized by a wide range of fish. It can include everything from mussels, calamari, red mullet to shrimp (Cicale, seppioline, merluzzetti, triglie, scorfani, lucerne, zanchette, razze, pannocchie, etc.).

Le Virtù: A soup of pork, seven types of dried and fresh beans, seven types of mixed pasta shapes, spring vegetables, and seven types of herbs. It is eaten on May 1 to signify the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

Drinks Centerbe: A liqueur made from 100 herbs containing 70% alcohol content.

P’lenta d’iragn: A comfort food found throughout Molise. This polenta variation is made from potatoes and wheat and topped with a tomato sauce.

Ratafia: A liqueur of fortified red wine, sugar, sour cherries, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Torcinelli involtini: Baked lamb intestines filled with chopped liver, sweetbreads, and in some variations hardboiled eggs. Cavatelli molisani fatti a mano: Short homemade pasta using flour and water, twirled with the tip of one’s finger, similar in appearance to gnocchi. Often pork liver sausage (fegatazzo), a typical product of the region, is used in tandem with this pasta to accentuate the flavour of the dish.

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MOLISE Scapece: Fried fish (ray), palombo (smooth-hound), octopus or squid, covered with flour and then marinated in vinegar, oil, salt and saffron.

Pampanella: Pork pancetta dried with peperoncino, soaked in wine and cut into small pieces. Pampanella is used to flavour sauces, in particular the sauce for dressing the tacconi (rustic pasta made with flour and water). BaccalĂ alla cantalupese: A salt cured cod with olives, grapes and peppers seasoned with capers and garlic.

Fiadoni: An Easter treat that has both savoury and sweet versions. The former is baked and filled with Pecorino, Parmigiano, eggs and black pepper. The latter is filled with sweetened ricotta.

Signora di Conca Casale: This pork sausage is a staple of Conca Casale, a town located above Venafro. This centuries-old tradition is prepared by a group of old ladies in the winter to be enjoyed in the summer. Unlike other salumi, the Lady is not part of the cucina povera tradition, but it is considered a valuable product and traditionally intended to be given to gentlemen (doctors, notaries, etc.) as a way to repay a kindness or favour. The cuts used are the loin and shoulder for the lean part, and most of the bacon fat and back. As such, only one Lady can be drawn from each pig. Molise Wine The four DOCs of the region are Biferno (named after the largest river in Molise), Molise (a.k.a. Del Molise), Pentro di Isernia and Tintilia del Molise. Biferno wines can be red, white or rosĂŠ. The whites are predominantly made from the Trebbiano grape along with Bombino and Falanghina in smaller proportions. The reds are a blend of mostly Montepulciano with some of the Aglianico grape and Sangiovese. Recently, the rediscovery of the Tintilia grape, the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only native varietal, has been attracting considerable interest among Italian wine aficionados.

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MOLISE

Montreal is the largest Molisan city in the world...

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Montreal è la città molisana più grande al mondo...

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- Tony Zara Andrea Fratino, Festa del Grano di Jelsi a Montreal (Festa di Sant’Anna, c. 1980)

Montreal’s Molisan Community La Comunità Molisana a Montreal By Sabrina Marandola

you bump into an Italian-Montrealer and ask in what part of Italy their roots lie, the odds are good that the answer will be Molise. Molisans make up at least one-third of Montreal’s entire Italian community, making them the most numerous. In fact, there are more people of Molise origin living in Montreal than there are compared to any other city in the world. Montreal’s population of about 80,000 Molisans even beats out the population of Molise’s own capital city of Campobasso, which has a little over 50,000 people. “Montreal is the largest Molisan city in the world,” says Tony Zara, president of the Federazione delle Associazioni Molisane del Québec, who was born in the small town of Guglionesi – about 50 km from Campobasso. While many regions in Italy saw huge waves of emigration after World War II, people in Molise began to leave even before the First World War. “In Molise, there were no industries and not much agriculture because of the terrain. You had your little piece of land, your wheat and you had to make your family survive,” says Vincenzo Ranellucci, president of l’Associazione Casacalendese. As a result of early immigration, the Casacalenda association is Montreal’s second-oldest Italian association. Founded in 1924, the group recently celebrated its 90th anniversary (The oldest is the Order Sons of Italy Montreal, which is 96 years old). When the association was first created, its goal was to collect money – including an emergency mortgage fund – to help new immigrants. “A fund was created to help its members purchase a house, buy life insurance or pay for a funeral,” explains Ranellucci, adding that its mandate 90 years later has evolved to keeping local traditions and customs alive. The association has a Facebook page to reach out to its younger members, awards student bursaries, and organizes Montreal-Molise exchange trips. It also recently made a DVD that tells the stories of some Casacalenda traditions and customs. Another active association from the region of Molise is the Jelsi Association of Montreal, founded almost 50 years ago. Joe Fratino’s father, the late Andrea Fratino, was the group’s first president. “My dad did a lot for others when he first immigrated here in 1951. He would sponsor other people from his hometown to come to Canada,” Fratino says. His father was president for many years, and later – in the early 1980s – became a major contributor to a very unique tradition that the association created – and still holds today. Since 1982, the Jelsi association has organized an annual wheat festival in honour of Saint Anne. “Hopefully it’ll continue. It’s not as big as it used to be but at least it’s still there,” says Fratino. On the last Sunday of every August, a procession takes place in the streets of Ahuntsic in Montreal’s north end. A statue of Saint Anne leads the way, followed by giant floats made out of wheat. “The tradition dates back to July 26, 1805 when an earthquake struck the town of Jelsi. People prayed to Saint Anne 60

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v’imbattete in un italo-montrealese e gli chiedete di quale parte d’Italia siano le sue radici, ci sono buone probabilità che la risposta sia Molise. I molisani rappresentano almeno un terzo dell’intera comunità italiana a Montreal, il che li rende i più numerosi. Infatti, vi sono più persone di origine molisana che vivono a Montreal rispetto a qualunque altra città al mondo. La popolazione molisana a Montreal di circa 80.000 persone batte addirittura la stessa popolazione del capoluogo del Molise, Campobasso, che ne conta poco più di 50.000. “Montreal è la città molisana più grande al mondo,” sostiene Tony Zara, presidente della Federazione delle Associazioni Molisane in Québec, nato nella cittadina di Guglionesi – a circa 50 km da Campobasso – è immigrato in Canada con i suoi cari quando aveva otto anni. Mentre molte regioni d’Italia assistettero a enormi ondate migratorie dopo la Seconda guerra mondiale, la gente in Molise cominciò a partire ancor prima della Prima guerra mondiale. “In Molise, non c’erano né industrie né tanta agricoltura a causa del territorio. Avevi un piccolo appezzamento di terreno, lo coltivavi e facevi sopravvivere la famiglia,” dice Vincenzo Ranellucci, presidente dell’Associazione Casacalendese. Quale risultato di quest’emigrazione precoce, l’associazione Casacalenda è la seconda associazione italiana più vecchia di Montreal. Fondato nel 1924, il gruppo ha celebrato di recente il suo novantesimo anniversario (La più vecchia è l’Ordine Figli d’Italia di Montreal, che ha 96 anni). Quando l’associazione venne inizialmente fondata, il suo obiettivo era quello di raccogliere denaro – incluso un fondo d’emergenza per il mutuo – per aiutare i nuovi immigrati. “Un fondo fu creato per aiutare i suoi soci a comprare casa, stipulare un’assicurazione sulla vita o pagare un funerale,” spiega Ranellucci, aggiungendo che il suo scopo, 90 anni dopo, si è ampliato al fine di mantenere vivi gli usi e i costumi tradizionali. L’associazione ha una pagina Facebook per raggiungere i suoi soci più giovani, offre borse di studio ed organizza viaggi-scambio tra Montreal e il Molise. Di recente ha anche prodotto un DVD che racconta le storie di alcuni usi e costumi di Casacalenda. Un’altra associazione attiva del Molise è l’Associazione Jelsi di Montreal, fondata circa 50 anni fa. Il padre di Joe Fratino, il defunto Andrea Fratino, fu il primo presidente del gruppo. “Mio padre fece molto per gli altri quando inizialmente emigrò qui nel 1951. Sponsorizzava altre persone del suo paese natale per farle venire in Canada,” dice Fratino. Suo padre fu presidente per molti anni e in seguito – nei primi anni ottanta – divenne uno dei maggiori sostenitori di una tradizione singolare organizzata dall’associazione, e che continua ancor oggi. Dal 1982, l’associazione Jelsi organizza l’annuale sagra del grano in onore di Sant’Anna. “Speriamo che continui. Non è più grande com’era solita essere, ma quantomeno esiste ancora”, dice Fratino. L’ultima domenica d’Agosto, si fa una processione per le strade di Ahuntsic,

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MOLISE that it would never happen again. They considered it a miracle that the town was not destroyed and the church didn’t fall. They paraded their wheat harvest through the town as an offering to Saint Anne.” The dream of continuity is one that Zara shares. The publisher of Panoram Italia Magazine says that’s why he took on the presidency of the Federazione delle Associazioni Molisane del Québec. “As a community, we never took our proper place or took a position of leadership. We would like to accomplish that,” Zara says. “Our parents are from Molise – a very rural part of Italy. They are very humble people. They are not entrepreneurial – they were factory workers and farmers but they still managed to raise a generation of business people… We need to know who we are, and hopefully we can achieve that with the federation.” Zara says the first mandate is to attract younger Molisans to participate in events and to become leaders in the organization. The Federation of Molise Associations in Quebec is planning on pushing its events “into the 21st century” with elegant, prestigious parties. Last fall, it raised $20,000 by holding a Texas Hold’Em poker tournament. A gala on April 11 will feature dinner, a wine and olive oil tasting, and a performance by Italian-Canadian singer Gino Vannelli. Zara says the goal is to raise money every year to help out not just the Molisan community but the entire Italian community as well. “A sub-committee of business professionals helps with fundraising and decides what we should be doing with the money. We want to become a source for the greater Italian community of Quebec,” Zara says. The federation wants to attract young families too. That’s why members have come up with the idea to have an affordable dinner featuring local Molise dishes on the last Friday of the month. “The idea is that two or three associations at a time cook their traditional foods. On a Friday night, instead of ordering a pizza, you get to eat traditional food and it would be cheap for the adults and free for the kids.” Zara’s biggest hope is that the children of immigrants see the value in keeping their italianità alive and vibrant. “We need to get younger people involved. If we’re not able to do that, there’s no point in having these associations anymore… It will be a shame if in such a short period – one or two generations after our parents came here – everything dies out.”

zona nord di Montreal. Una statua di Sant’Anna fa strada, seguita da enormi carri di grano. “La tradizione risale al 26 luglio 1805 quando un terremoto colpì la città di Jelsi. La gente pregò Sant’Anna affinché non accadesse mai più. Considerarono un miracolo il fatto che il paese non fosse distrutto e che la chiesa non fosse crollata. Fecero sfilare il proprio raccolto di grano per la città come offerta a Sant’Anna.” Il sogno della continuità è condiviso da Zara. L’editore di Panoram Italia Magazine dice che quello è il motivo per cui ha assunto la presidenza della Federazione delle Associazioni Molisane del Québec. “In quanto comunità, non ci siamo mai messi al posto giusto né abbiamo assunto un ruolo di guida. Vorremmo riuscire in questo,” afferma Zara. “I nostri genitori vengono dal Molise – zona molto rurale d’Italia. Sono persone molto umili. Non sono imprenditori – erano operai e contadini – ma sono riusciti ad allevare una generazione di gente d’affari…Dobbiamo sapere chi siamo, e magari ci riusciremo con la federazione.” Zara dice che il suo primo obiettivo è quello d’invogliare i giovani molisani a partecipare agli eventi e diventare leader nell’organizzazione di questi. La Federazione delle Associazioni Molisane del Québec ha in programma di spingere i suoi eventi “nel XXI secolo” con feste eleganti e prestigiose. Lo scorso autunno, ha raccolto 20.000 dollari organizzando un torneo di poker Texas Hold’Em (poker alla Texana). Una serata di gala, l’11 aprile, comprenderà la cena, una degustazione di olio e vino e un’esibizione del cantante italo-canadese Gino Vannelli. Zara dice che l’obiettivo è quello di raccogliere fondi ogni anno per aiutare non solo la comunità molisana, ma anche l’intera comunità italiana. “Un sub-comitato di professionisti del mondo degli affari ci aiuta a raccogliere i fondi ed a decidere come investirli. Vogliamo diventare una risorsa per la grande comunità italiana del Québec,” sostiene Zara. La federazione vuole inoltre attirare le famiglie giovani. Per questo i soci se ne sono usciti con l’idea di organizzare cene abbordabili con piatti tradizionali molisani, l’ultimo venerdì del mese. “L’idea è che due o tre associazioni per volta cucinino i loro piatti tradizionali. Il venerdì sera, invece di ordinare la pizza, si può mangiare cibo tipico a un prezzo conveniente per gli adulti e gratis per i bambini.” La speranza maggiore di Zara è che i figli degli immigrati riconoscano il valore di mantenere viva e vivida la propria italianità. “Dobbiamo coinvolgere la gente più giovane. Se non siamo in grado di farlo, non c’è motivo di tenere in vita queste associazioni…È un peccato se in un arco di tempo così breve – una o due generazioni dopo che i nostri genitori si sono trasferiti qui – finisce tutto.”

*Certaines conditions s’appliquent, Visiter www.lexim.ca pour plus d’info.

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ADVICE

I santi patroni tra devozione e tradizione

vete un santo protettore? Chi è il vostro prediletto? Conoscete quello del vostro paese? La tradizione dei santi patroni risale ai primi secoli della Chiesa. Nata inizialmente come devozione verso i martiri locali o ancora verso santi con poteri particolari, si trasformò presto nel desiderio di affidarsi alla loro tutela, o meglio di mettersi sotto la loro protezione. Quando si pensa ai grandi santi si pensa ad esempio a Padre Pio, ancor oggi pregato con tanta devozione, anche se non necessariamente patrono Padre Nicola Di Narzo della nostra città o del nostro paesino. Ebbene, già dai primi secoli furono tanti i santi con virtù particolari o dotati di grande eroismo, come ad esempio i primi martiri. Riconoscendone virtù e dono, i cristiani continuavano a manifestare rispetto ed ammirazione pregandoli, anche dopo la loro morte. Sembra strano? Tanti potrebbero interrogarsi sul motivo di tale preghiera. Perché non rivolgersi direttamente a Dio invece di indirizzare le proprie suppliche ad intermediari? La risposta è semplice. Dinnanzi a persone così eroiche o così pie, viene spontaneo chiedere loro di intercedere per noi, per i nostri cari e per le nostre intenzioni più profonde. Queste anime sembrano così vicine a Dio da avere quasi un accesso privilegiato al suo cuore. Non solo. Hanno manifestato da vive delle qualità divine che sicuramente proseguono in cielo ed, essendo state persone come noi, ce le sentiamo magari più vicine spiritualmente. Dunque abbiamo da sempre pregato i santi, non per sostituirli alle nostre invocazioni a Dio, ma per rafforzarle. In altre parole, questi santi sono coloro i quali ci danno una mano quando facciamo delle richieste al Signore. Ognuno ha le proprie preferenze. C’è chi ama i martiri, chi ama i santi monaci, chi ama i santi guaritori, quelli delle grandi conversioni o i santi più simili a sé. Ma ci sono anche santi patroni dei nostri paesini, delle nostre province, i protettori della nostra professione o attività. Insomma, molto dipende dalla nostra propensione. Fino al 1630 non c’erano norme precise per decretare i santi patroni. Bastava riconoscere i santi locali, i martiri oppure un santo evocato per evitare delle calamità naturali o delle malattie gravi per trovare in essi i patroni locali. C’erano anche casi in cui un paese riceveva le reliquie di un santo importante il quale, a quel punto, veniva dichiarato santo patrono. Tale fu il caso, ad esempio, di Guglionesi, Campobasso. Sant’Adamo abate fu un benedettino, fondatore di un monastero nelle isole Tremiti, noto per il proprio lavoro presso le università e volto a promuovere la cultura. Le sue reliquie furono portate a Guglionesi nell’XI-XII secolo, dove pertanto venne decretato santo patrono locale,

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Festa di S. Nicola di Bari, patrono di Conflenti Superiore

adombrando così la devozione, precedentemente importata dal sud Italia, verso San Nicola di Bari. I motivi di tale scelta non dipesero da miracoli importanti, bensì dalla gioia di accogliere in paese le reliquie del santo. Possiamo anche pensare a Sant’Agata, giovane martire uccisa a Catania, Sicilia, nel 251. Questa santa fu seviziata a causa della propria volontà di proteggere sia la sua devozione verso Cristo, che la sua verginità. Il suo martirio fu abominevole perché le furono tagliati i seni. Diventò così patrona di Catania, del Molise, di Malta, di San Marino ed anche di Zamarramala, piccola cittadina spagnola. Divenne anche la Santa protettrice delle donne affette dal cancro al seno, dei martiri, degli infermieri, dei costruttori di campane, dei panifici, contro gli incendi, i terremoti e le eruzioni vulcaniche. Insomma, com’è possibile notare, vi sono motivazioni legate sia al tipo di martirio subito, sia alla sua intercessione in occasione di terremoti ed eruzioni vulcaniche, abbastanza frequenti in Sicilia. Ciò l’ha resa una santa nota nelle zone sismiche italiane o comunque più soggette ai terremoti. L’esempio di Sant’Agata ci mostra come questi grandi santi abbiano acquisito il titolo di patroni per svariati motivi e in base ad episodi importanti, in occasione dei quali, una volta evocati, magari avevano esaudito la preghiera dei supplicanti. Tutto ciò cambiò nel 1630, quando il papa di allora decise di stabilire regole precise, incluso l’ordine di ottenere l’approvazione ecclesiastica, prima di nominare i santi patroni. Fino a quel momento era bastata la formula "Vox populi, Vox Dei" (voce del popolo, voce di Dio), ma d’allora innanzi divenne necessario assicurarsi della santità della persona, nonché ottenere il permesso di eleggerla santa patrona di un luogo o di un’attività umana. La questione dei santi dunque si stabilizzò sia in Italia che altrove, senza che si potesse più cambiare svariate volte in base alla fama di un nuovo santo o all’acquisizione di reliquie importanti.

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ADVICE

LA LEGITTIMA S

econdo l’articolo 703 del Codice civile del Québec, ognuno di noi può, per testamento, lasciare i propri beni a chiunque. Pasquale Artuso Per i beni situati in Italia è tutto un altro discorso. In virtù dell’articolo 542 del Codice civile italiano, il 75% del patrimonio è riservato al coniuge e ai figli. Ancora una volta la legittima crea dei problemi ai nostri connazionali proprietari d’immobili in Italia. Ermenegilda e Severino emigrano nel lontano 1956, ed hanno due figli: Nicola e Nicoletta. Severino decede nel 1999 e Ermenegilda, rimasta sola, decide di abitare con la figlia Nicoletta. Quest’ultima si prende cura della mamma come si faceva ai vecchi tempi. Nicola, invece, la visita in modo sporadico. Ermenegilda si reca da un notaio per dettare le sue ultime volontà istituendo eredi i due figli Nicola e Nicoletta, specificando che quest’ultima sarebbe stata anche esecutrice testamentaria. A titolo particolare, lascia a Nicoletta una casetta con annessi terreni boschivi in Italia, precisamente nella suggestiva zona delle "Cinque

Terre" in Liguria, in funzione di ricompensa per l’assistenza (vitto, alloggio, cure mediche, etc.) prestatale dalla cara figlia. Ermenegilda decede il 31 dicembre 2012. Nicoletta disbriga tutte le pratiche successoriali, sia qui in Canada che in Italia, affidando l’incarico, per quanto concerne la casetta in Liguria, a dei professionisti competenti in materia, nella fattispecie: un ingegnere per la dichiarazione di successione ed un notaio per la registrazione del testamento. Nel frattempo viene a mancare da questo mondo terreno Nicola, che ha tre figli, i quali, secondo la normativa italiana in materia di tutela della legittima, subentrano nei diritti successoriali del padre ai sensi dell’istituto giuridico della rappresentazione, rivendicando la metà del patrimonio della loro defunta nonna Ermenegilda. Che cosa avverrà o potrebbe avvenire in tale disputa legale tra la signora Nicoletta ed i tre suoi nipoti (i figli di Nicola)? La prima ipotesi è quella della prevalenza della legislazione quebecchese, che permette una “discriminazione” in materia di diritti successoriali tra fratelli e/o sorelle privilegiando uno (nella nostra fattispecie l’esecutrice testamentaria e legataria) e sfavorendo l’altro; mentre la seconda ipotesi è quella della predominanza della giurisdizione italiana, che

favorisce i legittimari per rappresentazione (i tre figli di Nicola) mediante la c.d. azione di riduzione disciplinata dagli artt. 553 – 564 del cod.civ.ital. (conguaglio di quote). Morale: siate chiari nelle vostre ultime volontà: specificate i beni con la valutazione venale per eventuali conguagli, gli importi lasciati in eredità e, soprattutto, consultate un avvocato/notaio specializzato anche in diritto italiano. Lo studio legale Pasquale Artuso e soci si avvale della collaborazione di corrispondenti in tutte le regioni d’Italia, coordinati dallo Studio Fallerini.

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EVENTS

Des Gens et des Événements People and Events Vous connaissez des gens d’exception ou des événements qui méritent d’être connus ? carole.gagliardi@panoramitalia.com

LE CHEF VITO D’ACHILLE REMPORTE LA DEUXIÈME PLACE AU ANNUAL CANADIAN PIZZA CHEF OF THE YEAR

Vito D’achille chef pizzaiole du restaurant Enoteca Mozza Pizzeria Moderna, bientôt au centre-ville de Montréal

Vito D’Achille, chef-pizzaiolo au restaurant Enoteca Mozza Pizzeria Moderna, a remporté le 2e prix du Annual Canadian Pizza Chef of the Year grâce à sa Pizza Cotto garnie de prosciutto, de bébé aragula, de parmiggiano et de vinaigre balsamique. Son secret ? Un prosciutto importé d’Italie dont il garde jalousement la provenance exacte. « C’est un prosciutto particulièrement savoureux et de la plus haute qualité, sans compter que je cuisine toujours avec amour ! », révèle D’Achille. Le concours organisé par le magazine Canadian Pizza se déroule à Toronto depuis trois ans. Le premier prix a été attribué cette année à Carlo Raillo d’Edmonton pour sa Pizza Cappuccino garnie de chocolat et de crème fouettée. Le grand gagnant remporte une bourse de 1,000$ et les deux premières places ont l’opportunité de participer au concours International Pizza Challenge and Pizza Expo qui se déroule à Las Vegas. Lors de cette prochaine épreuve, chaque pizzaiolo aura 20 minutes pour apprêter, cuire et présenter sa pizza aux juges, pour la plupart des chefs et consultants

culinaires qui viennent d’un peu partout dans le monde et qui évaluent croûte, garniture, créativité, cuisson et présentation. Originaire de Bari, dans les Pouilles, Vito D’Achille est arrivé au Canada il y a 6 ans « per amore !», dit-il. C’est en Italie qu’il a appris l’art de faire la pizza, de la préparation à la cuisson. Vito avait environ 17 ans lorsqu’il a débuté dans les pizzerias et bistrots de cette région d’Italie, et déjà, il sentait l’effervescence et la passion qu’une simple pizza peut déclencher chez les clients et chez les pizzaioli. La pizza… che passionne ! Eh oui, la pizza en Italie n’est pas considérée comme un simple fast food, mais est élevée au rang de produit gastronomique élaboré avec soin à partir d’ingrédients frais et de grande qualité. « In effetto » me dit Vito, « c’est une passion, car ce métier n’est pas facile. Il faut faire très très vite et toujours très très bien. Il y a beaucoup de pression dans une cuisine. Cuisiner est un art et selon moi, la meilleure cuisine est la cucina della nonna (cuisine de grand-mère) », ajoute Vito.

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Une photo prise lors de la Conférence 2014, Courage et Persévérance Chaque année, le 8 mars souligne la journée internationale de la Femme qui se déroule autour d’un thème fixé par l'ONU pour débattre du statut de la femme dans le monde. En 2013, la réflexion s’est attardée sur la violence faite aux femmes avec une campagne intitulée : « Une promesse est une promesse : il est temps de passer à l’action pour mettre fin à la violence à l’égard des femmes». En 2014, c’est le thème de l’égalité qui retenait l’attention avec une campagne qui avait pour titre : « L’égalité pour les femmes, c’est le progrès pour toutes et tous ». En 2015, l’ONU a guidé la réflexion sur l’autonomie dans

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EVENTS le cadre de sa campagne Beijing+20: « Autonomisation des femmes – Autonomisation de l’humanité : Imaginez ! ». Pour l’occasion, le Congrès national des italo-canadiens (CNIC) a organisé, dimanche le 8 mars, le colloque : Courage et persévérance, les femmes ingénieures d’aujourd’hui. Des conférencières au parcours impressionnant ont partagé leur expérience et leur vision sur cette profession majoritairement dominée par les hommes : docteure Marta Cerruti ingénieure, Phd diplômée de l’Université de Turin en Italie, docteure Nathalie Tufenkji, ingénieure et Phd diplômée de l’Université de Yale aux États-Unis et docteure Nadia Ghazzali, inénieure, Phd et Recteure de l’Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. Depuis 6 ans, le CNIC organise annuellement un colloque visant à faire connaître des femmes inspirantes qui évoluent dans le milieu des affaires, de la culture, des médias et de la santé. Une initiative de Michelina Lavoratore, Faustina Bilotta, Josie Verrillo, Alexandro Loffredi, Tania Alfonsi et Connie Ventura.

IVANA BOMBARDIERI PERSONNALITÉ DE L'ANNÉE DE LA CIBPA

Ivana Bombardieri entourée du président de la CIBPA, Mike Goriani, et de son fils Adriano Animatrice à la radio multilingue CFMB Montréal, Ivana Bombardieri est reconnue du grand public pour la riche texture de sa voix. Journaliste depuis l’âge de 15 ans, elle a marqué plusieurs générations d’italo-montréalais. Aujourd’hui directrice des relations publiques de la station, elle produit et anime également Buon Pomeriggio, l’une des émissions les plus populaires de la programmation de langue italienne. Avant de débuter à la radio, Ivana a été animatrice à l’émission Teledomenica diffusée de 1967 à 1997. Elle se rappelle de son premier jour en direct au micro « Je tremblais de tout mon corps tellement j’étais intimidée ». Ceci semble maintenant bien loin alors que l’Association des gens d’affaires et professionnels italo-canadiens du Québec soulignait l’excellence de l’ensemble de sa carrière en la nommant Personnalité de l’année 2014. Un hommage qu’elle a accepté avec beaucoup d’humilité. « Après tout, je n’ai fait que mon travail ! ». Le prix Personnalité de l’année de la CIBPA a été créé en 1967 dans le but de rendre hommage à une personne qui par l’excellence de ses réalisations contribue au bien-être de la société. Le premier récipiendaire fut le maire de Montréal, Jean Drapeau,et le récipiendaire en 2013 fut Emilio Imbriglio, le Président et chef de la direction de Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Canada.

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AU TRICOT POUR LE CANCER Carmela Pistilli est secrétaire de l’école Genesis de Laval, une école bilingue de niveau primaire qui compte 249 étudiants. L’an dernier, elle a perdu sa mère atteinte d’un cancer et quelques mois plus tard, c’était au tour de son père d’être diagnostiqué de la maladie. Carmela se rappelle que sa mère, qui fut longtemps alitée, se plaignait souvent d’avoir froid. Face au drame terrible de la maladie et de la mort, elle dit avoir senti le besoin de se rendre utile concrètement afin d’avancer dans son processus de deuil. C’est ainsi que l’idée de tricoter des couvertures pour venir en aide aux patients atteints de cancer lui est venue. Après avoir partagé cette idée avec la directrice de l’école Genesis, elle a invité les élèves à se joindre à elle pour faire du tricot à l’heure du midi, les sensibilisant du même coup à l’importance de s’impliquer dans la société. Carmela Pistilli et son Blankets of Hope Knitting Club, formé de 12 jeunes filles, tricotent ainsi tous les midis pour réchauffer le cœur et le corps des personnes malades du cancer. Depuis sa création, le club a remis une dizaine de jolies courtepointes à des patients du département d’oncologie du centre Segal pour le cancer de l’Hôpital général juif de Montréal. Vous pouvez faire un don à l’école Genesis de Laval en communiquant avec Carmela Pistilli cpistilli@swlauriersb.qc.ca.

Carmela Pistilli entourée de l’équipe de l’école, d’amis et des élèves qui forment le Blankets of Hope Knitting Club de l’école Genesis de Laval

PRENDERE L’APERITIVO NELLA PICCOLA ITALIA Le concept plaît et la Société de développement commercial (SDC) de la Petite Italie en a profité pour récidiver encore cet hiver avec la troisième édition de l’Aperitivo à l’italienne. De février à mars 2015, les restos participants de la Petite Italie, Inferno, Le Pourvoyeur, Epoca, Corneli, Bottega, Hosteria, Quindici et San Gennaro, ont proposé tous les mercredis des formules 5@8 incluant bouchées à volonté et une première consommation gratuite pour la modique somme de 15$. Une tradition qui s’implante tranquillement pour le bonheur des passionnés de gastronomie et du style de vie à l’italienne. Pour plus d’informations sur les activités organisées par la SDC de la Petite Italie consultez www.petiteitalie.com

L’Aperitivo dans les restos de la Petite Italie

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Éditeur en chef du magazine Panoram Italia de 2002 à 2014, Filippo Salvatore a été élu récemment, président de la Société Dante Alighieri de Montréal. Professeur agrégé au département d’Études Italiennes de l’Université Concordia, il a obtenu son Baccalauréat en Études Italiennes à l’Université McGill en 1971 et sa Maîtrise en 1972. En 1980 il obtient son MA de l’Université Harvard. Auteur de nombreuses publications sur la présence italienne au Canada, Filippo Salvatore est une figure respectée pour son implication dans de nombreuses initiatives visant le maintien de la langue et de la culture italiennes au Canada. Chevalier dell’Ordine della Solidarietà Italiana, il a été Président de l’Association des Professeurs de langue italienne au Québec et depuis 2004 il est Président de la commission sur la langue et la culture du Comites Montréal (Comité des Italiens dans le monde). Erika Papagni a été nommée première vice-présidente, Alda Viero trésorière et seconde vice-présidente et le professeur Giuseppe Turi, président honoraire. Filippo Salvatore succède à monsieur Giovanni Rapana. À propos de la Société Dante Alighieri La société Dante Alighieri (Società Dante Alighieri), une organisation à but non lucratif fondée en 1889, est vouée à la promotion de la langue et de la culture italiennes à travers le monde. L’organisation fut mise sur pied en Italie en Juillet 1889. Elle porte le nom du poète florentin de la pré-Renaissance et auteur de la Divine Comédie, Dante Alighieri(1265-1321), considéré comme le père de la langue italienne. La Società Dante Alighieri compte aujourd’hui plus de 200,000 étudiants et 3,300 écoles répartis dans plus de 60 pays.

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EVENTS

FRANCA MAZZA OUVRE UN SERVICE DE TRAITEUR À SAINT-HENRI Photo Cassi Design

Pendant 5 ans, Franca Mazza a opéré seule l’Atelier de Franca Mazza à Laval où elle offrait des cours de cuisine et un service de traiteur. Mais, fini les leçons privées. Franca se consacrera désormais uniquement à son service traiteur pour événements privés ou corporatifs. C’est à partir de son nouveau laboratoire situé rue Notre-Dame Ouest, derrière la galerie d’art The Rack dans Saint-Henri, que Franca Mazza Traiteur nous concoctera dorénavant bouchées et menus d’inspiration méditerranéenne. Sa cuisine simple et raffinée, à la fois traditionnelle et novatrice ne cesse d’évoluer et favorise les produits locaux et biologiques. Originaire de la Calabria, une magnifique région du sud de I’Italie, Franca immigre à Montréal avec sa famille à l’âge de 9 ans. Réputée pour sa fougue, son originalité, sa créativité et l’excellence de son travail, Franca et sa famille sont à l’origine du restaurant Il Mulino, une référence pendant longtemps dans la Petite Italie. Après cette première aventure au Il Mulino, Franca devient chef au restaurant du Club de golf Métropolitain, puis chez Milos où elle s’est occupée exclusivement d’événements spéciaux qui l’ont mené à New York et à Athènes. Finalement, l’envie lui vient de développer sa propre entreprise. « Je suis curieuse et créative. Je suis un oiseau libre et je ne suis heureuse que lorsque je fais ce que j’aime à ma façon. J’ai un esprit très libre et non-conventionnel. C’est difficile pour les autres de me suivre, car je suis très instinctive.» C’est justement ce qui rend sa cuisine si inspirante. À vous d’en juger. Franca Mazza Traiteur 3714, rue Notre Dame Ouest.

Franca Mazza au travail dans sa cuisine

VIVEZ L'EXPÉRIENCE UNIQUE DES VIGNOBLES EN ITALIE

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www.laube.ca

Facebook: Anna Martello N.D. Email: anna.martello@laube.ca Clinique L’Aube’s address is: 7893 St-Laurent, Montreal, Qc H2R 1X1

L’ALTRUISME CONTAGIEUX DE L’HUMORISTE JOE CACCHIONE Joe Cacchione est connu du grand public pour ses propos liés à la culture et aux traditions italiennes qu’il dépeint avec justesse dans ses spectacles d’humour. Son approche est sympathique et respectueuse, c’est pourquoi son public l’aime autant. Il a commencé à faire des spectacles pour payer ses études. « J’avais le choix entre travailler en restauration rapide ou… faire des spectacles. J’ai commencé par la magie, mais le matériel coûte cher alors que les mots ne coûtent rien… », raconte-t-il mi- blagueur. « Mon grand-père était un homme qui riait tout le temps et qui aimait jouer des tours. Vraisemblablement, il m’a influencé. » Mais, dans la « vraie vie », Joe Cacchione est aussi vice-directeur du Centre d’éducation des adultes Galileo, une institution d’enseignement spécialisé qui offre un programme destiné aux adultes atteints de carence psychologique, intellectuelle ou physique. Un poste qu’il a particulièrement à cœur et qui vise à donner aux étudiants des connaissances de base pour leur permettre de mieux fonctionner dans la société. « Mon rôle est d’aider les élèves dans leur développement. Mon pouvoir, mes connaissances sont à leur service. C’est ce qui m’a amené à me demander ce que je pouvais faire de plus pour eux. » Ainsi, lorsque des élèves de l’école ont demandé à leur enseignante, Anna Persichilli, quel était son artiste préféré, elle leur a parlé de Chuck Close, un peintre et photographe paraplégique américain réputé pour ses portraits de très grande dimension. Son style vibrant et son histoire inspirante ont tellement impressionné les élèves de Persichilli que Joe a proposé au groupe d’aller dans la Grande Pomme pour y admirer les œuvres de Close en personne. D’un naturel fonceur et optimiste, Joe s’est immédiatement mis en marche pour trouver des idées de financement : préparation et vente de gâteaux, mise sur pied d’un spectacle avec Guido Grasso et Ana Graur… Les efforts de ses élèves ont finalement permis d’amasser 17,000$. Le groupe composé d’élèves et d’accompagnateurs a ainsi pu visiter New York du 30 mars au 2 avril dernier lors d’un séjour rempli de découvertes et de grands et petits bonheurs. « Ces élèves nous enseignent tant sur le carpe diem, vivre le moment présent. Pour eux, il n’y a que le maintenant et ici qui comptent. C’est toute une leçon de vie pour nous qui sommes constamment projetés dans l’avenir », ajoute-t-il. Vous pouvez contribuer aux projets de Joe Cacchione en contactant le Centre d’éducation pour adultes Galileo au 514 721-0120.

LA 8E ÉDITION DU CONCERT CONTRE LE CANCER AMASSE 400,000$

De gauche à droite: Président d’honneur de la soirée Tony Loffreda, Susan et Jonathan Wener, Maire Denis Coderre et André Boulanger L’Institut du cancer de Montréal a organisé la 8e édition de son Concert contre le Cancer, jeudi le 12 mars dernier à la Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier de la Place des Arts. Une soirée riche avec au programme des œuvres de Tchaïkovski, Verdi, Puccini, Carl Orff et Jean-Pierre Ferland. Depuis sa création en 2007, le Concert contre le Cancer a permis d’amasser un montant net de 4,500,000 $, visant à rapatrier des chercheurs de haut niveau qui poursuivent des carrières à l’extérieur du pays. L’homme d’affaires et philanthrope Jonathan Wener et sa femme Susan ont aussi été honorés lors du concert. Depuis 1989, Canderel organise une des plus grandes collectes de fonds de Montréal. Jusqu’à maintenant, près de 10 millions de dollars ont été amassés pour la recherche sur le cancer du Centre de recherche sur le cancer Goodman de l’Université McGill et l’Institut du cancer de Montréal de l’Université de Montréal. 68

PANORAMITALIA.COM

Photo by Ralph Buttino

Naturopath, Colon Hygienist, Chopra Certified Meditation Instructor

EVENTS

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EVENTS

A CLASSY AFFAIR TO RAISE FUNDS FOR GENERATIONS FOUNDATION

he 4th Annual Grand Gala hosted and organized by Christina and Johnny Capobianco of The Grand Show Band was a GRAND success. The event held at Le Madison in Saint-Leonard on February 7 raised $160,000 towards Generations Foundation, which serves meals to 8,000 underprivileged schoolchildren daily in over 100 schools. As guests entered the beautifully decorated and transformed Hollywood-themed venue, the paparazzi snapped away on each side of the red-carpet and women were handed fresh roses courtesy of Carmine Florist. Two giant Oscar men and two large screens playing classic awardwinning films throughout the night accentuated the Hollywood ambiance. Jamie Orchard of Global TV, loyal supporter of the event and cause, was the MC for the evening. Food for the Gala consisted of various cocktail stations, a full course meal, open bar all night and an impressive Grand sweet table provided by Caffè San Simeon, Heavenly Taste Cookies, Gelaterie Pierino, St-Viateur Bagel, Amir, Connie’s Delights, Edible arrangements, and Dopo Cena. The 11-piece Grand Show Band and their DJ put on another stellar show and had everyone dancing the night away in front of a gorgeous “Hollywood” custom-made backdrop by Cavallo Design. Special entertainers included internationally known FADI KOD and rapper J Seven. Special thanks goes out to Enrica Uva, board member of Generations Foundation, contributing a huge part in the organization of the event; major sponsors Panoram Italia magazine for their promotional and logistical support; photographers Luciano Filippone of Grafica Foto and Leandro Federico, and Sam at B&W Media for making sure every special moment was captured; and to Air Canada, Fiat Club Montreal, Longue Pointe, Hotel Place D’Armes, Silverstar Mercedes, Club Uomo, Fairfield Inn for the Grand prizes. There were over 150 exciting prizes to be won. President of Generations Foundation, Giovanni Gaudelli, executive director Adrian and Nathalie Bercovici along with Marie-Josée Mastromonaco of Breakfast for Learning look forward to this important fundraising initiative every year. “Stay tuned for something very special for our 5th Annual Grand Gala.” – Christina Capobianco

PANORAMITALIA.COM

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Wall of Memory remembering our immigrants

Immortalize your family history on the Casa D’Italia’s Wall of Memory!

Available at store.panoramitalia.com

2. Small Family Plate

1. Individual Name Plate

Two full names Place of birth Year of arrival in Canada Option of photo

Full name (29 characters) Place of birth Year of arrival in Canada

size 4” x 8” middle section

size: 2” x 8”

upper / lower section $250* middle section $400*

$750

3. Large Family Plate

Up to two photos and six lines of text OR Up to ten lines of text, no photo Must include place of birth and year of arrival in Canada size: 8” x 8” middle section

$1200

Official Certificate of Registration * A certificate will be issued for each plate as a souvenir for the family.

*Must be picked up at Casa D'Italia

Log on to store.panoramitalia.com to choose an option, upload your photo, input your information and make payment.

Acknowledge • Honour • Remember Call Panoram Italia Editor Adam Zara at (514) 337-7870 for assistance.

CCPI — Casa d'Italia sustains, promotes and develops Italian-Canadian culture in Montreal. 505 rue Jean-Talon Est, Montreal QC H2R 1T6

MTL APRIL-MAY 53-72_Layout 1 2015-03-30 3:42 PM Page 71

MTL APRIL-MAY 53-72_Layout 1 2015-03-30 3:42 PM Page 72

Un Salami, plusienrs saveurs... Many flavours, one salami...

Il s’agit de nourriture... It’s all about food... 2866 Daniel Johnson, Laval Qc

H7P 5N7

Tél: 450 934-6220

Fax: 450 934-6961 www.papille.ca