The summer of 2026 was a remarkable season of faith, tradition, and fellowship for the Italian Enclaves Historical Society. As founder of the Society, I had the privilege of traveling to several cherished Italian-American religious feasts, including the Feast of Saint Anthony in Boston, the Feast of Saint Ann in Hoboken, the Feast of Saint Agrippina in Boston, and the Feast of Saint Rocco in New York City. Each celebration offered a powerful reminder that the traditions brought to America by generations of Italian immigrants remain alive through processions, prayer, music, food, and the devotion of the families and societies that continue to preserve them.
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Procession in Denver, Colorado
Saint Anthony Procession in East Harlem, New York
Saint Rocco Society of Potenza Procession in Little Italy, New York City
Saint Ann’s Feast in Hoboken, New Jersey
Saint Anthony’s Feast in Boston, Massachusetts
The Feast of Saint Agrippina
Our board members also represented the Society with great pride throughout the country. In Denver, Colorado, Jenna Peccia participated in the celebrations honoring Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Rocco, helping the Society document and support Italian-American traditions beyond the Northeast. In Harlem, Jack Rizzo was instrumental in the Giglio lift honoring Saint Anthony and in the historic Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. His dedication reflected the strength, sacrifice, and teamwork required to keep these extraordinary traditions thriving in the neighborhoods where Italian immigrants first established them.
At the Feast of Saint Rocco in New York City, board member Antonio Cesare took part in the procession alongside his son, proudly carrying the Italian Enclaves Historical Society banner and the American flag. Their participation beautifully represented our organization’s mission: honoring our Italian heritage while celebrating the country that generations of Italian Americans have helped build. The summer of 2026 will be remembered not simply for the miles traveled or the feasts attended, but for the people who continue to carry these traditions forward—and for the enduring faith, family, and community that unite Italian enclaves across America.
By: Raymond Guarini
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