SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Italian feast is making a comeback in Springfield since its departure two decades ago.
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A time that celebrates and recognizes Italian culture, for the first time in 20 years, this historic feast will return to the city of Springfield.
Behind the feast are the hard-working women who make the traditional Italian food that people can’t resist. Angela Parisi with the Springfield Sons & Daughters of Italy told 22News, “I work a full-time job, then after that I text Anna and Fonzina and say, ‘ What am I doing and they say Come on down.'”
Alfonsina Liguori adds, “We did this for a long time, 20 years back, we just cook and do the fried dough sausage and peppers, meatballs, everything.” You name the dish–It’s there, including Malone.
Springfield’s Sons and Daughters of Italy will host Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s Italian feast this weekend, kicking off at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. There will be endless opportunities to taste the culture. The women behind the scenes are preparing for weeks–Homemade pasta, sauce, rice salad–you name it.
Springfield Sons & Daughters of Italy cooking up a storm just in time for the Italian Feast
“I just love to be a part of the Italian community,” says Parisi. “I am first generation. Anything I can do to keep that alive, my kids don’t even know what the Italian feast is. I would love them to see that part of our culture,”
The time and effort it takes to put into a feast like this come from the people in the South End, and if you want to taste some of the best food, you’re encouraged to stop by this weekend.
Winthrop Street in Springfield’s South End is expected to be filled with crowds. The feast is making a return for the first time in more than 20 years. Tickets are available on the day of for five dollars for adults and two dollars for children. It is an opportunity to feast and celebrate.
Those putting in the work credit their family, who inspired them to volunteer and give back, and grow their community. Commissioner Dana Botta told 22News, “My dad was a big part of this for years. He’s passed. I’m so strong with my traditions and my heritage, and just a big, beautiful community we have here.”
On top of all the food, the grease pole competition is also making a comeback. That’s taking place Sunday at four o’clock. It is a tradition unique to the city of Springfield.
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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
Source:: News – Boston – wwlp
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