Feast of Saint Agrippina

If you've never experienced a North End feast, Saint Agrippina is a pretty great place to start. For four days, Hanover and Battery Streets fill with the sounds of live music, the scent of sizzling sausage and peppers, and generations of families keeping one of Boston's longest-running Italian traditions alive. Between bites of arancini, fried calamari and cannoli, you'll find free concerts, neighborhood processions and the kind of atmosphere that makes the North End feel like one big block party. The weekend's highlight is Sunday's grand procession, when the statue of Saint Agrippina winds through the neighborhood in a moving display of faith, heritage and community. Come hungry, stay late, and don't be surprised if you find yourself planning a return trip for the next feast.