81ST ANNUAL FEAST OF ST. ROCCO IN FORT LEE

Posted in: Events Religion on August 10, 2010 at 10:59 am |

Carrying St Rocco

By Joe Lepore

FORT LEE – Food, fun, and games were on the surface but the cause is community based and charitable driven. Carrying on an Italian Catholic tradition that began here in 1929 and celebrating its 81^st anniversary this year, the Feast of St. Rocco is the festival to celebrate giving back to the community and helping charities in need.

Children and families enjoyed the festival that was located on Martha Washington Way here. There was entertainment on the Main Stage, food eating contests, face painters, games, fireworks, attractions, and local establishments offering historical views about the rich heritage of the area.

For four days since the festival began 81 years ago the festival has been a big part of the celebration. And it shows. There truly is something to be enjoyed with almost every step you take as you walk through. It’s small in size but giant in quality. I’ve been to fairs and festivals way larger in scale but upon closer look, not this much to offer.

Saturday night ended with a huge show and a fireworks display that lasted for twenty minutes. I even heard some people claim that it was one of the best.

Sunday at the church, a mass was conducted and this year it was presided over by Bishop Edgar Da Cunha, of the Archdiocese of Newark. The festivities continued through the morning and afternoon with a ceremony preceding the parade. Traditionally, the ceremony begins at 3:p.m. with the parade beginning approximately 4 p.m.. The parade route winding through the neighborhood, is almost three miles long and takes more than two hours. It was a small and intimate parade with a strong marching (Tony Neglia) band leading way, playing traditional Italian music. Residents sit on their door steps, porches, and wave from their windows. Children cheer and wave Italian and American Flags. It’s great because instead of going to the parade, the parade comes to you and passes by your house.

But this is no ordinary parade. The most exciting part just may be the finish. After carrying a statue that weighs more than 1,000 lbs (which takes 12 men) for almost two hours, the procession stops, catches their collective breath and runs the final 150 yards to the chapel.

All proceeds from the festival go directly to charities to help fight infectious disease, and also for a scholarship fund.

Tags: Catholic featured Fort Lee St. Rocco Feast