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 100 years. To honor their patron saint, the originators formed the non-profit religious and cultural organization San Antonio Di Padova Montefalcione Inc. to keep their heritage alive in the Hub. Since 1919, Saint Anthony’s Feast has traditionally been held in the streets of the North End on the weekend of the last Sunday in August.
Celebrated all over the world, Saint Anthony of Padua is one of the most popular and beloved saints in the Catholic religion. Ever lost your keys? Pray to Saint Anthony to help you find them, as he is referred to as the “finder of lost articles.” Today, his feast celebrates his legacy with parades, religious services, Italian cuisine for sale from more than 100 pushcarts, live music, contests, cooking demonstrations and beautiful displays of admiration throughout the North End. The highlight is the 10-hour procession of the statue of Saint Anthony through the colorfully decorated streets of the North End, accompanied by devotees, marching bands and floats. It is then returned to its chapel as confetti cascades from the rooftops.
Bostonians, Italians and non-Italians alike come together to honor Saint Anthony, while celebrating the end of summer in the city at what is now the largest Italian religious festival in all of New England. Join the revelry this year from August 22–25 and experience what no less than National Geographic has declared as the “feast of all feasts.”
