Felittese Festival links two cities across the globe

OLD FORGE, LACAKWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A festival happening in Lackawanna County this weekend is drawing in not just those locally, but visitors from across the globe.

Rosi Distasi is part of a group of delegates from Felitto, Italy, who flew in to celebrate the weekend.

“I’m here in Old Forge at the Felittese Festival,” said Rosi.

“We never had like a full delegation come over to witness this and I think that’s really a big part of it,” said Jeff Casella, chairman of the Felittese Association of Old Forge

The annual festival will be monumental this year as Old Forge and Felitto are officially becoming sister cities, a formal act that connects cities in different countries to promote cultural links.

Members of the delegation tell 28/22 News they cannot wait to be a part of history.

“With this twinning declaration, we are formally recognizing our foundational relationship so it’s an important moment here and to be here is exciting,” said Giuseppina Distasi, a teacher from Felitto, Italy.

“We are honoring our ancestors. Today we’re here for this reason and it’s like being in Felitto, so we’re very excited because we feel at home here,” said Antonio Sebatta, president of the Felitto Council Italy.

Breaking into the 600 pounds of gnocchi and warming up some sauce for the first day Friday, Chairman Casella says this achievement has been a lot of hard work.

“It’s just going to be one of the most special events. I’m super proud that we’re able to do it,” said Casella.

Sharing heritage and delicious food at the festival the cities will come together as one to commemorate Our Lady of Constantinople.

A new ‘Welcome to Old Forge’ sign will be unveiled on Saturday.

The Felittese festival kicks off Friday, September 6, and Saturday, September 7, at 5 p.m. with its mass ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. on Sunday.

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