Saint Rocco Feast of Potenza in Denver, Colorado
By Jenna Pecchia
Since 1894, the Feast of St. Rocco has been a cherished tradition in Denver’s Northside, organized by the Potenza Lodge. Established in 1899 by Italian immigrants from Potenza, Basilicata, the lodge has been hosting this celebration to honor St. Rocco, the patron saint invoked for protection against disease, reflecting the community’s resilience and faith. Since 1894, the feast has grown from a solemn procession into a vibrant three-day bazaar, held annually around the third weekend of August. Unique to the Feast of St. Rocco is the bidding for the honor to carry the statue in the procession. Whatever money is raised, Potenza Lodge donates to Mt. Carmel Church. It also marks the end of Colorado’s Feast Season and the unofficial end of summer.
The Feast of St. Rocco will be August 22-24, 2025 at Potenza Lodge (3800 Shoshone St., Denver, CO 80211). There will be sausage sandwiches, pizza fritte, Italian cocktails, games,and more. On Sunday, August 24th at 11am, there will be a special Mass in honor of St. Rocco at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church (3549 Navajo St. Denver, CO 80211), followed by the bidding and procession through the streets of North Denver.
Since 1894, the Feast of St. Rocco has been a cherished tradition in Denver’s Northside, organized by the Potenza Lodge. Established in 1899 by Italian immigrants from Potenza, Basilicata, the lodge has been hosting this celebration to honor St. Rocco, the patron saint invoked for protection against disease, reflecting the community’s resilience and faith. Since 1894, the feast has grown from a solemn procession into a vibrant three-day bazaar, held annually around the third weekend of August. Unique to the Feast of St. Rocco is the bidding for the honor to carry the statue in the procession. Whatever money is raised, Potenza Lodge donates to Mt. Carmel Church. It also marks the end of Colorado’s Feast Season and the unofficial end of summer.
The Feast of St. Rocco will be August 22-24, 2025 at Potenza Lodge (3800 Shoshone St., Denver, CO 80211). There will be sausage sandwiches, pizza fritte, Italian cocktails, games,and more. On Sunday, August 24th at 11am, there will be a special Mass in honor of St. Rocco at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church (3549 Navajo St. Denver, CO 80211), followed by the bidding and procession through the streets of North Denver.
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