MULTICULTURAL CITY
ITALIANS of Cambridge ALEX FICE SPOTLIGHTS THE CITY’S INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION CIAO AMORE
However, a number of factors have led to the decrease in the city’s Italian population over the last couple of years. “Since Covid-19 and Brexit, I think things have changed a lot,” explains Giulia. “Many Italians, including students and teachers, moved back to Italy and are now finding it’s a lot harder to come back to Cambridge and the UK because of visa issues and restrictions.” Despite all this, social media is providing chances to meet across the city. “The Italian community here is hugely positive – it is very much about helping each other out, engaging in and doing things to keep traditions alive – and also sharing these with non-Italians,” explains Alex. He concludes with a piece of advice for anyone seeking out a dose of authentic Italian culture in Cambridge: “Come to Signorelli’s Deli and drink an espresso… but never order a cappuccino after 11.30am! Then come back with your friends for an aperitivo such as an Aperol spritz from the afternoon onwards. That is the Italian way of life!” proving a highly effective tool for strengthening bonds between expats, and
become a headquarters for Italians in the city: “When you walk down Burleigh Street, all you can hear is Italian!” laughs Alex. “It’s a great honour and I really take pride in the fact that Italians use my little deli as a hub whenever they are in the Grafton area.” Another linchpin for the Italian community is La Dante, a non-profit organisation aimed at promoting the language and culture of Italy
ou need only look at the glut of Italian restaurants in Cambridge – from De Luca, La Margherita and La Mimosa, to Mill Road’s
Maurizio Dining & Co, Tradizioni and Limoncello – to find a wealth of Mediterranean culture in Cambridge. After World War II, many left Italy behind in search of work, landing on the distant shores of the US, Argentina, Australia and – closer to home – the UK. While the majority flocked to the capital, others continued their journey to Cambridge, Bedford and Peterborough, working in the brick industry. Today, it is believed that there are around 6,000 Italians living in Cambridge – not an insignificant proportion of the 150,000 or so people populating the city. According to Alex Signorelli – owner of Signorelli’s Deli, La Piazza and Il Mercato – Cambridge’s ongoing appeal to Italians lies in its continental feel and welcoming atmosphere. “I visited Cambridge several times through work before moving here and fell in love with it,” he says. “It reminded me very much of a Mediterranean city: it’s picturesque, with plenty of green spaces and parks for alfresco dining. It’s also very multicultural; walking down the street you can hear Italian, Spanish and other languages being spoken.” This couldn’t be more true for Burleigh Street, where Signorelli’s Deli is located. Since opening in 2017, it has
in Cambridge. “I think La Dante has played a huge role in gelling the community together over the years,” says founder and director helped people find a job or a place to live; we provide information about the citizenship Giulia Portuese- Williams. “We’ve exam, teaching children Italian and all about the
There is a historical love for Italy here, from food to poetry
culture of Italy. We have always been un fulcro per la comunità – at the heart of the community.” As well as providing for the Italians of Cambridge, La Dante aims to engage those with a passion for Italy’s rich heritage. “There is a historical love for Italy here,” observes Giulia. “Cambridge is a cradle of culture and academia, and there is this deep appreciation for all that is Italian, from food to music, poetry and cinema.”
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