Festival-goers enjoy the lively atmosphere at the St. Joseph Festival on Federal Hill.
The annual St. Joseph festival is making a comeback in Providence’s Little Italy, Federal Hill, now taking place in June instead of March. This change aligns the celebration with Father’s Day, honoring the patron saint of fathers. With an expected 50,000 attendees, the festival features food, live music, and a statue procession led by Bishop Bruce Lewandowski. The event aims to celebrate Italian cultural traditions and foster community spirit, featuring competitions like the zeppole eating contest and ample outdoor dining experiences.
Providence – An annual three-day festival dedicated to the celebration of St. Joseph is currently underway in Providence’s Little Italy, known as Federal Hill. For the first time in 12 years, the festival has been moved from its traditional date of March 19 to June. This change aims to better align the event with Italian traditions, celebrating St. Joseph close to Father’s Day since he is recognized as the patron saint of fathers. Approximately 50,000 guests are anticipated to attend this summer celebration.
The festival began on Friday and includes a lineup of food, live music, shopping, and games. Festivities started at 5 p.m. and continued until midnight. This longer timeframe allows business owners and vendors additional time to prepare a variety of food and drinks for both daytime and nighttime activities. For instance, Café Italia’s staff has worked diligently to ensure a diverse menu to serve festival-goers. Notably, Café Italia secured second place in the annual meatball competition, while Wally’s Wieners claimed the grand prize with their award-winning meatballs made from a secret family recipe that features both beef and veal.
One of the highlights of the festival is the procession of a statue of St. Joseph, which will be led by the new Bishop Bruce Lewandowski. This special event, along with a zeppole eating competition, draws numerous attendees each year, making it a pivotal part of the festival experience. On Saturday, a special mass and procession will be conducted at 11 a.m., followed by a full day of activities.
The festival is scheduled to conclude on Monday at midnight. During the evenings of the festival, Atwells Avenue will remain open to traffic from Bradford Street to Dean Street, while a segment of Atwells Avenue from Dean Street to Sutton Street will be closed from 3:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. This arrangement ensures guests can easily access the various attractions while allowing restaurants along Atwells Avenue to set up parklets for outdoor dining experiences.
The decision to move the festival to June is not merely about scheduling. It also reflects a broader effort to preserve and celebrate Italian cultural traditions in a meaningful and engaging way. The festival serves as a reminder of the community’s strong Italian heritage and its commitment to honoring foundational figures like St. Joseph both in spirit and celebration.
As the weekend progresses, attendees can enjoy a wide array of attractions, marked by a vibrant community atmosphere that encapsulates the essence of Federal Hill. The festival continues to be an essential event, drawing families and friends together to celebrate life’s pleasures while honoring St. Joseph in a festive and family-friendly environment.
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