After the COMITES celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Italian constitution on June 1st in the Amalfi Bay, it was the turn of the Italian consulate to organize its event at Villa Dalia, the seat of the General Consulate of Italy in the Alpes-Maritimes.
The highlight of this reception was the Franco-Italian relations, particularly the relationship between Nice and Italy in a warm atmosphere (music and songs by the “Les Alpes de la Mer” orchestra, gastronomy…) all in the presence of Mr. the Consul General, Agostino Chiesa Alciator, who recalled the Niçois origins of Nice by evoking Giuseppe Garibaldi, and Christian Estrosi who remembered his Italian roots and declared, “I will not betray you, I know where I come from, Nice will remain faithful to this bond.”
Instead of having the reactions of “officials,” Nice Premium went to meet the Italians of Nice to find out what they think of this celebration:
What does the 60th anniversary of the Italian constitution mean to you?
Sylvia: In all nations, there is a great importance placed on remembering; so it’s mainly about memory and ethics, similar to July 14th for France.
Gino: It was a major change for my country, after the suffering we endured with fascism, today there is still much to improve like in all countries of the world, but when asked what I think of my country I always say two things: Italians are often controversial people in general, but there are immeasurable things: art and gastronomy; “nowhere in the world can you eat like in Italy!”
What is your connection to Italy?
Sylvia: Today I permanently reside in Nice, my connection with Italy has been discontinuous because I have lived a lot in Belgium, Switzerland, or abroad. But Italy always represents my source.
Lucia: I am Italian, I live between Nice and San Remo. What I love about Nice is this diversity, this mix of cultures, it’s a very beautiful city, I would go as far as to say that Nice is an Italian principality, but not everyone would like that!
Do you think Nice has a very strong link to Italy?
Sylvia: No, personally I don’t think so at all. Nice is essentially a tourist place unless you go back to the state of Savoy, yes, but that’s just commercial, nothing extraordinary in its relations with Italy.
Lucia: We are like little cousins, we get along and bicker occasionally, but that’s normal, we love each other!
