PHILADELPHIA, PA — The vibrant essence of Italian heritage returns to South Philadelphia as the Annual St. Nicholas of Tolentine Authentic Italian Festival graces the streets once more. On Sunday, October 6th, from 12 Noon to 8:00 PM, the 1700 block of South 9th Street will come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Italy, drawing thousands of attendees to this cherished community event.
This festival, a beloved tradition since its establishment in 1987, traces its roots back over a century to the founding of St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church by Italian immigrants in 1912. Their commitment to preserving faith, family, and cultural traditions continues to resonate, making this festival a hallmark of South Philadelphia’s cultural calendar.
The festivities will commence with a solemn procession at noon, featuring statues of revered Catholic saints carried through the streets, accompanied by the renowned Verdi Band performing traditional Italian marches. This procession honors the saints as paragons of virtue and is a testament to the enduring faith of the community.
As the procession concludes, attendees will immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of Italian culinary delights and entertainment. The festival boasts an impressive lineup of food vendors, including local favorites such as The Kitchen Consigliere, Marra’s Pizza, and Termini Bros Bakery. Guests can savor an array of authentic Italian dishes, from arancini and eggplant rollatini to traditional pastries and much more.
The entertainment schedule is as diverse as it is engaging. DJ Spanky Brown will keep the energy high throughout the day, while live performances include the Elegance String Quartet, accordionist Nick Desiderio, and the Quaker City String Band. Noteworthy performances by the Sicilian Tenors and the City Rhythm “Love Train Dance Party” will captivate audiences with their dynamic musical renditions.
For families and children, the festival offers rides, games, face painting, and crafts, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The event is free and open to the public, with food and drinks available for purchase.
Rev. Nick Martorano, pastor of St. Nicholas of Tolentine, emphasizes the festival’s inclusive nature, stating, “We wanted to create an opportunity for our entire community, not just our parishioners, to come together and celebrate one of the many diverse cultures that make our neighborhood so great.”
This year’s festival promises to be a joyful celebration of Italian culture and community spirit, inviting Philadelphians and visitors alike to partake in this time-honored tradition.
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