The first North End procession of the season was held on Sunday June 7th, honoring Santa Maria di Anzano. Starting at Saint Leonard Church, devotees marched with two marching bands through the neighborhood streets. North End native and Boston’s Special Events Director, Patricia “Patty” Papa, was presented with an appreciation award for her years of support to the society.
In 1905, a group of ten immigrants from Anzano, Italy founded the Madonna di Anzano Society that continues today. The image of the Madonna was discovered over 400 years ago in a small village now known as Anzano, Italy. Read more of the story.
See the Summer North End Feast Schedule for upcoming processions and festivals. Photos by Matt Conti.
To all those that contribute monetarily as the processions pass by.many thsnks for keeping these traditions alive. To all the.others (tourists) that take countless pictures even though you don’t know the saint or aren’t religious. You would think it would dawn on you to take at least a dollar out for the beauty and entertainment!!
What is the best way to attach the money to the ribbons ?
Common Pins.
It was a beautiful celebration to the Blessed Mother and a display of a very traditional society. All the members work hard all year long to keep the interest up for this society. We do it for our relatives who came from Anzano, we do it for the North End to keep up with its values of being family oriented and holds these feast very tight. We protect our right to celebrate our saints and protect the North End. You don’t have to be a N.E. resident to care for it. We all need to remember, there are some who would love to see the N.E. change and do away with the feast. Our goal was to bring the Madonna to the people and for 110 years, we have done just that, and will continue to do so, with GOD’s help and the protectors of the North End.
The North End is a special neighborhood and the Feast’s are something we should never lose.