Sure, it seems like they’re either festing or feasting every weekend over in the North End this summer (and when they’re not doing that, the sheer number of wide-eyed tourists clogging the streets makes it impossible to get down Hanover, anyway) but the biggest and best of all the summer feasts kicks off today. The 101ST Fisherman’s Feast Of The Madonna is not only the largest of the North End’s feasts, it’s the oldest. This mother dates back to the 16th century, when fishermen used to pray to the Madonna del Soccorso for fresh fish instead of just waiting in line at the Daily Catch. This four-day-long feast has got all the usual festivities on a larger scale – food, music, parades, and tons of jolly Italian people.
One of the biggest Italian Feasts of the summer, this annual event is based on a tradition that goes back to the 16th century. The feast celebrated its 100th anniversary last year and includes a parade and food from a number of North End eateries.
August 18-21, North End Park, Cross St and Hanover St, Boston
