The ABCD North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center (NE/WE NSC) celebrated the arrival of spring and Pasquetta at its 1 Michelangelo Street location in the North End last month. Pasquetta is often translated to “little Easter,” or “Easter Monday,” since it always falls on the Monday after Easter. In Italy, this is a day to relax. It was instituted in the post-war period to create a long weekend, allowing people to have a weekend getaway, or at least a “scampagnata” (jaunt to the countryside).
At the NE/WE NSC, Pasquetta was celebrated the Friday after Easter, April 21, due to the Patriots’ Day holiday. Seniors gathered together to feast on pasta, chicken, and vegetables, with cake and coffee for dessert. The weather, overcast with some drizzle, did not feel very spring-like, but our seniors relaxed and got out of the isolation of their apartments. The warm setting and atmosphere lifted the chill from the air! Several seniors commented that it was the first time in a few weeks that they had gotten out because of the rain and cold weather.
The NE/WE NSC advertises all celebrations in advance. They invite anyone who desires a meal and companionship to call the center at 617-523-8125. In addition, weekly hot meals take place in the North End on Mondays and Fridays at 1:00 p.m. One does not need to be a resident of the Villa Michelangelo Apartments to attend.
