FESTA ITALIANA: We mentioned on Wednesday that former Bradford resident Jim Burns’ great-grandfather is largely responsible for starting what is now Bradford’s famous Festa Italiana.
We’ve been wondering for some time how old the event is, but even a search through some of The Era’s archives didn’t provide the information we wanted.
We did find this article on an early St. Rocco’s Day/Feast of the Assumption event — from which the festival was born — in the Wednesday, Aug. 15, 1917, edition:
“American and Italian flags have been used with excellent effect in the decoration of Main, Webster, Corydon and other streets for the observance today by Italian residents of Bradford of the Feast of the Assumption and that of St. Rocco’s day.”
Scheduled to provide music were the Citizens band and the Jamestown Italian band. Also on the schedule was a high mass in St. Bernard’s church both days and a benediction of the blessed sacrament at Main and High streets, followed by a concert.
So it’s safe to say the first Bradford celebration happened more than 100 years ago.
There were several years in the middle that Festa Italiana did not happen.
According to The Era’s Centennial Edition that was published July 23, 1979, the event was revived in 1979 after not being held for more than 30 years. That year, it was part of Bradford’s centennial celebration.
The 1979 article provides a little background on why St. Rocco’s Day is celebrated:
“The festival is a two-day celebration for the Italian-American people of the community, who have always held the saint in high esteem.
“The first day, celebrated as the Feast of Immaculate Conception, is a religious holiday in which part of the morning is spent at Mass and the rest of the day is spent relaxing at home.
“Sort of like the lull before the storm.”
Day 2 was a party.
“According to Tony Magnella, chairman for the 1979 St. Rocco’s Day Festival, all varieties of Italian foods and refreshments will be available to the public, as will music and entertainment,” the 1979 article read.
“In order to observe the Day, the Italian-American Progressive Club is closing off Webster Street and setting up a main tent where many of the festivities will be held.”
The 2018 festival is less than a month away, set for Aug. 9-11.
