From the name to the behavior of its citizens over time: Busto Arsizio revealed itself on Tuesday Friendly Spacethe initiative launched by the parish of St. Edward for its elderly.
The theme was history, bustocca, but we have traveled all over the world or almost, as happens when the roots are strong. All thanks to two exceptional speakers, Franco Bertolli, former director of the Chapter Library, and Luigi Giavini, historian and writer, next to the parish priest Don Antonio Corvi.
What is striking, however, is the hall packed with people, eager to listen and be together. With some nice discoveries – or confirmations – such as that yes, Busto was run by women and that the female figure has always been at the centre, from families to faith and even in ancient times.
Among the many present, the most popular question, however, concerned the origin of the name “Busto Arsizio” and received detailed explanations. Work is the cornerstone of the bustocchi and an old rebuke from the ecclesial authority for those who had skipped Sunday mass for this reason has already come to light.
Certainly, Busto didn’t even like paying taxes very much and the Milanese dukes who tried, learned this: they had to adapt. And he had characters who made history, even if not always celebrated: like Silvio Crespi (born in Milan, but eldest son of Cristoforo Benigno, and here we enter the magnificent story of Crespi d’Adda) who signed the Treaty of Versailles at the end of the First World War. American President Wilson said of him: he defended Italy like a hawk.
In short, Busto’s history was interwoven with courage and resourcefulness. Can it serve as a shock today, with so many young people leaving?
Meanwhile, before saying goodbye, we listened to “Giannina”, a figure interpreted to perfection by a parishioner. Which went even further back in history, reconstructing a rivalry between Busto and Legnano which passes through Barbarossa. Busto gave in to the emperor (“better to surrender than to raze”), but then the battle called Legnano occurred. On Bustocco soil, it is reiterated, but we also know that this is very delicate terrain for relations with the people of Legnano: we don’t want to argue today too. Better to thank the speakers and toast a birthday.
Spazio Amico will return on Tuesday 7 May, with a bit of movement thanks to Professor Moscheni.
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