A Peek at the Past
Brought to Boston by Italian immigrants from the small mountain town of Montefalcione, Saint Anthony’s Feast has been celebrated with the same European flair for the past 98 years. To honor their patron saint, the immigrants of Montefalcione formed the non-profit organization San Antonio Di Padova Montefalcione Inc. nearly a century ago to keep their Italian and Catholic traditions alive in Boston. Having premiered in 1919, Saint Anthony’s Feast is traditionally held in the streets of the North End on the weekend of the last Sunday in August.
Today, his namesake Feast celebrates this revered holy figure with a plethora of parades, religious services, Italian cuisine and beautiful displays of admiration throughout the North End. The highlight of the Feast is the 10-hour procession of the statue of Saint Anthony through the streets of the North End accompanied by devotees, marching bands and floats. The statue of the Saint then returns to his chapel as confetti and streamers cascade from the rooftops.