*Translated by Sara Pasino
VERGIATE – It will be a Christmas without lights in Vergiate. The expensive energy bills are putting too much pressure on the city council. So, the mayor, Daniele Parrino, had to take a «hard decision». «This year it didn’t seem appropriate,» he says. Bills tripled compared to last year. And in the village – according to data already emerged in the city council last July – it seems like there could be an increase of 115% for energy expenditure. Today, many families are facing these increases – even for gas – with concern. The same is true for the council.
Hard decision
«We are fond of the lights, they embellish the city and give a warm moment at Christmas, we know it. But this year it did not seem appropriate,» says Parrino. «In December, some restrictions will probably be imposed by the government to cope with rising bills. So it would be a contradiction to turn on the lights in December». In short, a way to mitigate the situation. But not only: «It is a form of respect for business owners, since many are forced to close because of the unattainable expenses». The same applies to citizens. Yes, because «many people have relied on Social Services to ask for help».
The Christmas tree
All of these reasons have led to the decision of giving up the Christmas lights. «Public administrations – continues the mayor – sometimes have to be a good example to follow». It does not mean, however, that Vergiate will face the holidays without doing anything. «The tree in Piazza Matteotti will be decorated as a symbol of Christmas». He adds: «We are thinking of placing a tree in the neighbourhoods, with the decorations made by the schools to involve the children».
«An extraordinary community»
In the province of Varese – and not only – there are municipalities that have instead chosen to make a sacrifice and not to give up the Christmas lights. «Some have a tradition linked to Christmas lights, like Como that also organises shows and events. Christmas lights are essential for them: they revive the business and therefore they have the possibility to earn from them». In Vergiate, the situation is different: «Our community is extraordinary, we are sure that we will be able to live the spirit of Christmas, celebrating together. Even without the lights».