‘The Feast’ celebrates 125th anniversary in Little Italy

CLEVELAND (WJW) – Mangia, mangia, mangia! Tens of thousands of people are ready to chow down at The Feast of the Assumption festival in Little Italy this week.

“So, 125 years old this year, and for a lot of people it’s coming home,” committee member Mike DiFranco said. “A lot of these people grew up in the neighborhood and although they’ve gone their own ways, it’s an opportunity to come home and see family again.”

The Feast is a Catholic celebration, honoring the Blessed Mother’s assumption into heaven. Holy Rosary Church on Mayfield Road is holding multiple masses to worship, including three on Sunday, capped off by a night procession at 8 p.m.

People visit from all over the country, mostly for the food and fun in the summer. Dozens of vendors say they’re ready to welcome everyone.

“It is super fun being on the street. I get to see a lot of familiar faces, families, and just keep the tradition going,” Mia Catalano of Angelo’s Nido Italia said. “Great food, good times and all the fun.”

Also, it’s a great time to celebrate Italian heritage and pride.

“Well yeah, we are proud people, and we work hard,” La Dolce Vita owner Terry Tarantino said. “In this day, exemplifies food, culture, music, a little bit of everything, you know.”

With tens of thousands visiting, keeping everyone safe is a top concern. Dozens of Cleveland Division of Police officers are patrolling on foot with many other positioned around the perimeter.

Guests also play an important role in safety and are asked to report any suspicious activity or bad actors to police.

But just as every year, this is a family-friendly event.

“I’ve been coming here every year since I was a little girl with my family,” Sydney, a young woman in attendance, said. “I have a really Italian family. We always look forward to it every year. I love the food, the people, the parade, everything. It just feels like I’m so at home.”

“I think they should come down to see what a wonderful place it is,” Beverly Sylvester said. “Good restaurants if they like Italian food. Even if they don’t, I think they have something on the menu that they will like.”

Find the full festival schedule below:

• Thursday, August 15 – Noon to 10:30 p.m.
• Friday, August 16 – 6 p.m. to Midnight
• Saturday, August 17 –Noon to 11 p.m.
• Sunday, August 18 – Noon to 10 p.m.

Learn more about the festivities right here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.