The Speaker for Bedford Borough Council proudly represented the town’s deep Italian heritage at the prestigious Festival of Sant'Angelo Muxaro (Santangelesi) around the World in Sicily, as part of Italy’s global initiative for the Year of Italian Roots 2024.
Councillor John Wheeler attended bringing with him a unique gift: a brick from our historic Stewartby Brickworks, symbolising the lasting bond between Bedford Borough and Italy.
The event, hosted by the Mayor of Sant'Angelo Muxaro Angelo Tirrito, gathered towns and cities from across the world—including Argentina, Belgium and Germany—in a celebration of Italian culture and heritage. This year’s focus was on reconnecting Italian communities abroad with their roots, as part of Italy’s nationwide efforts to honour its diaspora.
Reflecting on the trip, Cllr Wheeler said: “It was a great honour to represent Bedford Borough, alongside Italian community leaders in Bedford, at the event in Sicily to discover heritage and culture firsthand, recognising the sacrifice and successes of ancestors of Italian descents here in Bedford Borough.
“Many people in these communities have now gone on to run successful businesses and become our loved ones, friends or family and form a crucial part of the fabric that makes up Bedford. It is at times like these it important to remember that there is far more that connects us than divides us.”
Carmelo Fregapane, who was born in Sant’ Angelo Muxaro and is the owner of Interfoam Ltd In Kempston, travelled to Sicily alongside Salvatore Graziano and Carlo Ciccarello to express their gratitude: “We want to sincerely thank the Speaker Cllr John Wheeler for attending and celebrating with us in Sicily. The Festival of Santangelesi was a historic moment for our village."
The commemorative brick presented by Cllr Wheeler during the festival was a fitting tribute to the Borough’s Italian pioneers. “It recognises the vital contributions of first-generation Italians to our industry, especially the brickworks,” remarked Cllr Wheeler.
“Many Bedford residents can trace their family roots back to Sant'Angelo Muxaro itself - making the town the second largest population of Santangelesi outside Italy.”