St. Anthony's Feast In The North End: What To Know About Year 99

NORTH END, MA —Every year for four days surrounding the last Sunday in August, the North End transforms into one big celebration. The tiny decorated streets become even more packed as the neighborhood honors patrons Saint Anthony and Saint Lucy with parades, religious services, strolling singers, live entertainment and, of course, food. Now in its 99th year, St. Anthony's Feast is the largest Italian Religious Festival in New England, according to organizers.

The North End celebration goes back to 1919 when it was started by Italian immigrants from the small town of Montefalcione in Avellino, who brought a similar tradition back from the Italy. National Geographic Magazine dubbed it the “Feast of all Feasts.”

What can you expect? Religious services, cooking demonstrations, olive oil and cheese tastings, live radio, and then the grand procession of Saint Anthony & Saint Lucy, featuring award-winning drum and bugle corps and marching bands. Watch for decorated streets, 100 pushcarts with varieties of the classics; arancini, sausage peppers and onion, quahogs, calamari, pizza, pasta and of course zeppole, cannoli and gelato.

The family behind Filippo Ristorante, will be unveiling a mobile espresso bar at the festival, too. Philip Frattaroli will be out with his new Caffe Pellicano Mobile Espresso Bar truck.

There will also be an outdoor beer garden set up in the North End near Causeway and North Washington streets, in front of Filippo Ristorante, with pizza, beer, and coffee available from Thursday, August 23, through Sunday, August 26, according to Eater Boston.

Want something to remember the fest by? No worries there will be souvenir keepsakes and mementos to buy, too.

Opening ceremonies and the procession of the Feast of Santa Lucia will begin at 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 23. Festival-goers will carry the statue of the saint through the streets and a candlelight procession will welcome her back to the outdoor chapel at 10:30 p.m. Yes, that's a five hour procession.

Opening ceremonies of Saint Anthony’s Feast will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 24. There will be a parade through the streets followed by music and dancing.

Organizers say the highlight of the Feast is the 10 hour procession of the Statue of Saint Anthony through the streets of the North End Sunday, accompanied marching bands and floats, confetti and streamers cascade from the rooftops.

Check out the schedule here:

Thursday, Aug. 23,

12 NOON
Traditional feast music by the Ray Cavicchio Orchestra on the main stage.

2 p.m.- 7 p.m.
LIVE from the Feast it’s the Mix 104.1 FM Afternoon Drive Team,with Gregg Daniels, Fast Freddy & Amanda Giles, with special prizes.

6:15 p.m.
Members of the societies take the statue Santa Lucia in procession to St. Leonard Peace Garden to greet Parish priests and accompany them to the feast for opening ceremonies.

7: p.m. - ST. ANTHONY'S FEAST
Opening Ceremonies of St. Anthony’s Feast - The exposition and blessing of the statue of Saint Anthony, members, fellow devotees and the streets of the North End.

Opening Parade - The statue of Saint Anthony is taken in procession to the outdoor chapel followed by a short parade through the streets of the North End with Italian marching bands.

7:15 p.m.
A must see performance of some of the greatest Italian and American hit songs by Tre Bella. Special guest appearance by Louis Vanaria. - Main Stage.

..Saturday, Aug. 25

12 NOON
Ronnie Lewis and the Expedition on the Main Stage.

5 p.m.
Outdoor Celebration of the Eucharist - Celebrate a special mass in honor of Saint Anthony, followed by a Blessing with the Relic of Saint Anthony & distribution of Blessed Saint Anthony Bread.

6 p.m.
Benvenuti Parade - Italian marching bands parade to welcome everyone to the neighborhood.

7 p.m.
Dance the night away to the spectacular performance by Aaron Caruso & Friends.

..Sunday, Aug. 26

10:30 a.m.
Mass celebrated in Italian in honor of Saint Anthony at Saint Leonard of Port Maurice Church, Hanover Street, North End.

12 NOON
Grand Procession of Saint Anthony - The start of the 10 hour grand procession. The statue of Saint Anthony is carried through the streets of the North End accompanied by Italian street bands, award winning drum & bugle corps, school marching bands, sponsor floats, and color guard.

12 Noon - 5 p.m.
Local chefs demonstrate their talents as the TV Show Wicked Bites takes over the Filippo Berio Culinary Stage.

1:30 p.m.
Ambrosiani on the main stage.

7 p.m.
Classic Italian American entertainment by Seabreeze featuring Stephen Savio on the main stage.

9:30 p.m.
Feast Grand Finale - Saint Anthony returns to Endicott Street amidst confetti and streamers.

10:30 p.m.
Drawing & announcement of the Saint Lucy Feast Charity Raffle.

10:45 p.m.
Closing Ceremonies of St. Anthony’s Feast -Candlelit last walk of Saint Anthony to his permanent chapel.

Check out the calendar post: Saint Anthony's Feast in the North End

Read more about the whole event here: St. Anthony's Feast

Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch Staff