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North End feasts

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The feasts in Boston’s North End are the customary festivals in the summer for this neighborhood. For almost 100 years residents of the North End have honored the patron saints of Italy by parading and celebrating in the streets. Statues are hoisted on shoulders and covered with donations — music and food abound. - Leanne Burden Seidel and Lisa Tuite

  • August 31, 1969: The statue of St. Anthony was paraded through a confetti shower on Prince Street. The three-day program of events marked the 50th anniversary of the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua. The spectacular parade on Sunday started at 1 p.m. and concluded at 9 p.m. as it slowly made its way through the North End.
    Bill Potter/Globe Staff
    Aug. 31, 1969: The statue of St. Anthony was paraded through a confetti shower on Prince Street. The three-day program of events marked the 50th anniversary of the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua. The spectacular parade on Sunday started at 1 p.m. and concluded at 9 p.m. as it slowly made its way through the North End.
  • August 30, 1962: Edward M. Kennedy, the endorsed Democratic candidate for US Senator, greeted North End residents during the celebration of Saint Anthony's feast.
    Boston Globe Archive
    Aug. 30, 1962: Edward M. Kennedy, the endorsed Democratic candidate for US senator, greeted North End residents during the celebration of Saint Anthony's feast.
  • July 26, 1970: As one man pinned money to the St. Agrippina statue during the parade honoring this saint, another man reached for more donations being lowered from a window on a long ribbon (background).
    Ellis Herwig/Globe Staff
    July 26, 1970: As one man pinned money to the St. Agrippina statue during the parade honoring this saint, another man reached for more donations being lowered from a window on a long ribbon (background).
  • August 27, 1978: Eddy Marino of Charlestown sported the perfect hat at the North End's Feast of St. Anthony.
    Ted Dully/Globe Staff
    Aug. 27, 1978: Eddy Marino of Charlestown sported the perfect hat at the North End's Feast of St. Anthony.
  • July 16, 1971: Mary Nastasi, Chairlady of the Festa Religiosa in Onore di San Rocco led the parade down Prince Street in the North End. Behind the banner was the money-covered statue of San Rocco, patron saint of the sick. The celebration ended with a band concert and an open house at Mrs. Nastasi's home on North Margin St.
    Ellis Herwig/ Globe Staff
    July 16, 1971: Mary Nastasi, chairwoman of the Festa Religiosa in Onore di San Rocco, led the parade down Prince Street in the North End. Behind the banner was the money-covered statue of San Rocco, patron saint of the sick. The celebration ended with a band concert and an open house at Nastasi's home on North Margin Street.
  • August 31, 1975: At the Feast of St. Lucy, children enjoyed a ride on the mini-ferris wheel.
    George Rizer/ Globe Staff
    Aug. 31, 1975: At the Feast of St. Lucy, children enjoyed a ride on the mini-Ferris wheel.
  • August 18, 1977: Gus DiPrizio sold and yelled "cannolis" during the Fishermen's Feast in the North End.
    Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff
    Aug. 18, 1977: Gus DiPrizio yelled "cannolis" as he sold them during the Fishermen's Feast in the North End.
  • July 14, 1974: Giving donations from their window to the statue of Madonna del Carmine were Josephina Marino and Peter Gerbino. The Feast of Madonna del Carmine was first celebrated in the north End in 1966. While older feasts were initiated by immigrants from Italy, this newest one was started by a small group of young men who were all born in this country and who, said feast chairman, Joseph Santangelo, 22, simply wanted their own celebration.
    Ulrike Welsch/ Globe Staff
    July 14, 1974: Josephina Marino and Peter Gerbino gave donations from their window to the statue of Madonna del Carmine. The Feast of Madonna del Carmine was first celebrated in the North End in 1966. While older feasts were initiated by immigrants from Italy, this newest one was started by a small group of young men who were all born in this country and who, said feast chairman, Joseph Santangelo, 22, simply wanted their own celebration.
  • August 29, 1977: North Enders waited with money and confetti for the parade to pass down Salem Street during the one day Festival of St. Lucy.
    Steven Geovanis/ Globe Staff
    Aug. 29, 1977: North Enders waited with money and confetti for the parade to pass down Salem Street during the one day Festival of St. Lucy.
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