Get ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other! Each year, Boston becomes a buzzing hub of Italian culture, celebrating a series of vibrant feasts that are a testament to the city’s rich heritage.
Among these, the Saint Anthony’s Feast, also known as the “Feast of All Feasts,” stands out as a must-visit spectacle.
Marking its 95th anniversary this year, Saint Anthony’s Feast is a beloved annual event that fills the city with mouthwatering aromas, intricate decorations, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Voted “Best Festival 2013” by Boston A-List, this feast offers an unforgettable experience with hundreds of Italian food vendors to choose from.
But that’s not all! The annual Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Feast is another star of Boston’s Italian festival scene, offering seven days and nights of celebration.
With the recent rebirth of Brooklyn, this year’s feast promises to be better than ever. Stay tuned as we explore these and more in our list of the 5 best Italian feasts celebrated in Boston.
Top 5 Best Italian Feast Boston
Boston is a city that takes its Italian cuisine seriously, with a plethora of restaurants offering authentic flavors and traditional dishes.
When it comes to indulging in a feast of Italian delights, these five establishments stand out as some of the best in the city:
1. The Fisherman’s Feast
The Fisherman’s Feast is an annual event in Boston, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and seafood. Located at Fleet, North, and Lewis Streets in the city center, it’s easily accessible via subway or bike share.
The feast began in 1910 when Italian immigrants from Sciacca, Sicily started a tradition to honor Madonna Del Soccorso.
The festival continues this tradition today with a procession featuring the statue of Madonna Del Soccorso and live music. Seafood lovers can enjoy various dishes including fried calamari and lobster dinners.
The feast concludes with the “Flight of the Angel,” where a young girl suspended from wires portrays an angel delivering her message of devotion.
3. Saint Anthony’s Feast: A Blend of Faith and Festivity
Saint Anthony’s Feast, an annual event celebrating its 100th anniversary, honors Saint Anthony of Padua and is a significant part of Boston’s cultural tradition.
The feast is held on Endicott, Thacher and North Margin Streets in Boston’s Italian neighborhood, the North End, from August 22-25. It can be accessed via I90EMASS PIKE for those coming from the west or by public transportation to North Station.
Attendees can expect authentic Italian food, spirited processions, lively music and a grand concluding revelry.
3. Feast of Madonna Della Cava: Honoring Traditions
The Madonna Della Cava Feast is a celebration deeply rooted in tradition, tracing its origins back to the 13th century when a young Sicilian boy dreamt of the Madonna Della Cava calling him to unearth her image.
Upon finding a stone painting of the Madonna, it cracked, leading the villagers to build a shrine on that spot.
This story has since extended from Sicily to Boston’s North End, where celebrations include processions, dance parties, marching bands and raffles. The feast is usually held between August 9th and 11th on Hanover and Battery Streets in Boston.
Visitors can reach festivities by following I90E (MASS PIKE) towards Boston; taking EXIT 24ABC for I93 NORTH then EXIT 23 for GOVT CTR; following signs for NORTH END or CHARLESTOWN; and turning left onto Cross Street.
4. Feast of Saint Lucia: A Tribute of Light
The Feast of Saint Lucia is an annual event in August, celebrated both in Boston and Italy, honoring the Christian martyr Saint Lucia, symbolized as the bringer of light and charity.
Originating from Syracuse, Sicily, it involves remembering her acts of bravery and sacrificial love through candlelit processions and charitable deeds.
In Boston’s North End, the feast follows the Fisherman’s Feast with parades, band performances and a candlelit procession.
The event also includes Italian food stalls offering pasta, prosciutto, cannoli among others. The highlight is participating in the candlelit procession that symbolizes triumph over darkness.
5. The Inaugural San Gennaro Feast in Boston
You’ve journeyed through the vibrant Italian feasts of Boston, immersed in a rich blend of faith, culture, and gastronomic delight.
From the century-old Saint Anthony’s Feast to the Madonna Della Cava Feast, each event offers a unique blend of tradition and festivity.
You’ve experienced the warmth of the Feast of Saint Lucia, a beacon of light and charity in the heart of the city.
Now it’s time to wrap up your virtual tour with the newest addition to Boston’s Italian feasts – the San Gennaro Feast. It’s a celebration that promises to keep the spirit of these cherished traditions alive.
So next time you’re in Boston, make sure to time your visit to experience these feasts firsthand. There’s no better way to soak in the city’s Italian heritage.
FAQs
What is the significance of Saint Anthony’s Feast in Boston?
Saint Anthony’s Feast is celebrated in Boston honoring Saint Anthony of Padua. It has now been 100 years of celebrating this blend of faith and festivity in the North End neighborhood. This feast is also important because it helps keep alive the strong cultural and historical ties to Italian heritage.
Can you tell me about the Madonna Della Cava Feast in Boston?
The Madonna Della Cava Feast originates from Sicily and is celebrated with vibrant processions, music, and traditional Italian cuisine in Boston’s North End. It is held annually between the 9th and 11th of August on Hanover and Battery Streets.
What does the Feast of Saint Lucia commemorate?
The Feast of Saint Lucia is a tribute to the Christian martyr Saint Lucia. It symbolizes light and charity and is celebrated with a candlelit procession. This feast is a community event that brings people together to enjoy Italian delicacies and band performances.
Are there any popular dishes served during these feasts?
All of these feasts feature an array of traditional Italian dishes. However, some of the main foods in Boston include Boston Baked Beans, New England Clam Chowder, Boston Cream Pie, Giambotta Pizza, Italian Sub, Frappes, Lobster Roll, and Oysters.
Timothy Russell Dewart