NoThe Government did not like it, but it was rather obvious, the proposal of theEuropean University Institute of Fiesolein the province of Florence, to change the name of Christmas to call it Winter Festival. A proposal which, however, does not have the intention of canceling the Christian holiday itself, but simply of doing it a choice based on greater inclusiveness which can allow everyone to recognize themselves in a moment of celebration without precise religious references.
Winter Festival instead of Christmas
The Institute, in truth, is not doing anything particularly strange, since the idea does nothing more than adhere to the guidelines of the “Plan for ethnic and racial equality”, outlined by the new vice-rector who deals with diversity and inclusion.
But the change of name immediately aroused intense controversy, first of all from the members of the League and Fratelli d’Italia, for whom it is absurd to touch the religious traditions of the countryin favor of greater involvement of all individuals regardless of the belief they profess.
The Government doesn’t like the idea at all
The MEP of the League, Susanna Ceccardi, immediately regretted the decision upon hearing the news. According to him «cancel Holy Christmas as the president of the European University Institute of Fiesole wants to do, it means canceling a moment of joy, reflection and thousand-year history of our community. It means erasing our identity».
The European University Institute of Fiesole would like to replace Christmas with the Winter Festival. (Getty Images)
«Canceling Christmas erases our identity»
This proposal, according to the Northern League MEP “actually responds to a wave of politically correct thinking that aims to erase the distinctive features of our civilization in the name of an alleged respect for other cultures. But there can be no respect for others if we do not learn to respect ourselves first and foremost. I therefore hope for an immediate step back on this decision by the leaders of the Institute.”
The reply: «Winter Festival»
However, some clarifications arrive from the institute based in the abbey dedicated to Saints Peter and Romulus: «Last week we had a meeting and the topic was raised if calling it a Christmas party was in line with the guidelines on issues such as gender equality and inclusionwhich are also public.
It happened that those who organize the institute’s Christmas asked themselves if proposing the holiday with the name Christmas Party could exclude someone. Having said that, no one wants to cancel Christmas, it was just a formal matter. The controversies seem completely specious to us.”
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