Mayor Andrea Horwath heading to Italy next month

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath is heading to Italy next month to foster relationships with Italian dignitaries.

A release from the Mayor’s office on Thursday says the trip will take place from July 3 to 14, visiting the cities of Racalmuto, Abruzzo, Palermo and Rome.

Several Hamilton community partners will be joining Horwath on the mission, including members of the Sicilian Cultural Society of Hamilton, and the Festa del Monte Hamilton and Fratellanza Racalmutese committees.

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In 1985, Racalmuto, Sicily, became the first Italian city to start its twinning relationship with the City of Hamilton.

More than 25 thousand Hamilton residents have roots in the Sicilian city, and a portion of Murray St. West in Ward 2 is known as Corso Racalmuto in honour of the Racalmutesi.

Valle Peligna, Abruzzo, became the second Italian city to twin with Hamilton in 1992, further strengthening the relationship.

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Horwath said the City has maintained a close international friendship with Italy for over 30 years.

“It is a privilege to be part of this delegation celebrating our twin cities and the upcoming ceremony of Maria SS del Monte on behalf of the City of Hamilton,” Horwath said.

“I look forward to strengthening our relationship through cultural exchanges to further collaboration, trade and development.”

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The Hamilton delegation will be meeting with senior Italian government officials while on the trip, continuing a tradition of cultural exchanges and reciprocal mayoral visits.

They will also engage in a number of one-on-one meetings with Italian dignitaries and tour key Italian cultural areas.