The 102nd Fisherman’s Feast in Honor of Madonna Del Soccorso Di Sciacca opened on Thursday night with the traditional blessing of the fishing waters at Christopher Columbus Park. Starting at the club and feast chapel on Lewis Street, the statue of the Madonna was carried by society members to Boston Harbor along Commercial Street and Atlantic Avenue.
A special tribute was made this year in honor of the late Phyllis A. Rugnetta, longtime resident of North Street where a memorial sign was unveiled. From this year forward, the statue of the Madonna will stop at the spot in remembrance of Phyllis. (See also Remembering Phyllis A. Rugnetta).
Once at Christopher Columbus Park, Father Antonio from St. Leonard Church blessed the Fishing Waters on the site of the former Italian fleet in Boston Harbor. A huge crowd filled the park for the short ceremony that concluded with the angels throwing flowers into the harbor.
The Fisherman’s Feast is the North End’s oldest continuously running Italian festival and runs through Sunday, August 19, 2012. See this post for the schedule of events and find more information at FishermansFeast.com.
Photos by Matt Conti. Download high resolution versions of these photographs for free and order prints/products here: http://smu.gs/P1XMJ7
Devotees of Madonna Del Soccorso gather at Christopher Columbus Park.
Leaders of the Madonna Del Soccorso Di Sciacca Society at the 2012 Fisherman’s Feast opening.
The streets light up as night falls on opening night of the Fisherman’s Feast.
The statue of the Madonna passes the statue of Christopher Columbus.
The angels throw flowers into Boston Harbor as part of the blessing ceremony.
The 2012 Flying Angel is Jessica Marie Palazzolo with Side Angels Victoria Bono and Serena D’Amico.
Families pose in front of Madonna Del Soccorso.
Feast Co-Chairs, Dom Strazzulo and Kenny Palazzolo.
Italian – American Band leads the procession into Christopher Columbus Park.
Father Antonio from Saint Leonard leads the procession with the children.
Rolling out the money ribbons as part of the Phyllis Rugnetta dedication on North Street.
Family gathers with society members for the pole dedication of Phyllis Rugnetta.
Madonna Del Soccorso bathed in the blue sky.
Opening ceremony of the 102nd Fisherman’s Feast.
Feast Co-chair Kenny Palazzolo speaks at Christopher Columbus Park.
“Street Magic” takes the stage on Thursday night at the feast.
The girls on North Street.
DJ Sal Bartolo cheers the procession.
Entrance to the Fisherman’s Club on Lewis Street.
The procession heads onto Lewis Street from Commercial Street.
Michael Primo, carrier of the Madonna del Soccorso.
Lighting the Madonna at Night in Christopher Columbus Park.
Christopher Columbus Meets the Madonna Del Soccorso.
Lifelong North Ender, Janet Gilardi, takes part in the candlelight ceremony.
A dedicated carrier of the statue of Madonna Del Soccorso.
Watching the blessing of the fishing waters.
The crowd gathers at the Blessing of the Fishing Waters.
Nick Verrocchi and friend on Boston Harbor.
Feast Co-Chair Dom Strazzullo speaks to the crowd.
Ceremonies for the Blessing of the Fishing Waters.
Dottie, Nick and Alex pose at Christopher Columbus Park.
Marie ReRe Bamonte enjoys the occasion with a little friend.
Dedication to the late Phyllis Rugnetta on North Street.
Kenny Palazzolo and Grace Rugnetta at the dedication.
Carrying the statue of Madonna del Soccorso on North Street.
Great pictures!
great pictures.. loved seeing original north enders in somepics and the girls that are going to be angelsgorgus
Great pictures of my cousin's! Ralph, Dottie, Dante, and Ray! Love you guys! See you this weekend!
Cella luna mezza marte…..!!
Matt~~as usual the photos are Great~~"You Out- Did Yourself "! (If that is possible)? You caught pictures of scenes and people that I didn't even see! Thanks For The Memories! I will treasure them. Thank You You're~~ THE BEST!
Thanks Janet! You're the best. I enjoyed your food at TG's! You must have been cooking all day … excellent as always!
Janet your smiling face was a nice addition to Matt's photos.
How nice of you to say Janis~~~Thank You
Just saw aot of my cousin's in these pics!!
Bosco!!!!!!
The Thursday night of our feast is so beautiful.
Maria…I agree,I love the Thursday of our feast…..it’s always so special.I look forward to it every year !!!
Great Feast , wouldn't miss it.