The 101st St. Agrippina’s Feast was highlighted on Sunday with an 8 hour Grand Procession through the North End streets. Both the North End Marching Band and the Italian-American Band kept everyone upbeat with traditional feast music. Adding some of their own flair to the festive procession were the Greater Boston Firefighters Pipe and Drum Corps. The Grand Procession ended with the traditional “Tug of War” (the back half won again) and the “Dance of 20 Men” to cheers from the grateful crowd.
Saint Agrippina Di Mineo was a beautiful blond princess who was unmercifully tortured to death by the Emperor Valerian in 256 AD. After her death, her body was taken from Rome to Mineo, Sicily, by three holy women; Bassa, Paula and Agatonica. The commoners were amazed by the lightweight pragranced body protected by angels and shielded by clouds. In the North End, it’s 20 men that coordinate in a complex rhythm to keep the extremely heavy statue in the air. Read more about the benefit society, feast and the history of Saint Agrippina Di Mineo at www.saintagrippinaboston.com.
Enjoy the 100+ photos in this gallery from the 101st St. Agrippina Sunday Grand Procession. Also see photos from the Children’s Procession and the Opening Night costumes and dancing.
See the latest North End Feast Schedule and our latest Feast news coverage.
