July 1 was awkward.
I was emotionally divided and I am sure many other immigrants were while celebrating Canada’s 140th birthday and also by watching their homeland countries participate in the soccer tournaments that began that weekend.
Although I came when I was 12 and by choice became a citizen 25 years ago, we immigrants never totally let go of our culture, heritage, traditions and the strong feelings towards our homeland.
This year, it was very rewarding to witness how – for the first time in 31 years – Promenade Days included multiculturalism by inviting the Barrie Multicultural Association to showcase food, music and tradition.
Craig Stevens of the Downtown Barrie Business Association, organizers of the traditional three-day event, commented his organization has recently added culture and heritage and consider making multiculturalism a “big component” in their three-year plan.
“In the coming years multiculturalism is going to become a real aspect of this event,” he said.
As time passes, it is also rewarding to see how ethnic groups are slowly being considered and becoming an important part of the city’s cultural planning.
Later on that same day, the World Cup and the Under 20 soccer tournament began. Family and friends met around a barbecue at my niece Dania and nephew Pablo´s house waiting for the Chile vs Canada U-20 game.
Although I hoped for a tie on Canada’s birthday, my brother-in-law Guillermo, a soccer fan who has lived here since the early 1970s, commented, “It would be nice to beat Canada, but we cannot humiliate them. This is where we live.”
The final score was 3-0 for Chile. “And now what do you have to say?” asked my seven-year-old grandnephew Nicolas in a defiant tone of voice. “Chile is here,” he added, pointing to his heart.
I am absolutely sure that mixed feelings were experienced by many immigrants who participated in the July 1 celebrations, and also by those who are following the soccer games.
Our lives break when we decide to emigrate; from then on, in our hearts we’ll always be torn between two nations.
• You can reach Mirna Concha at mirna.concha@theheritagenetwork.ca.
