North End

The Fisherman's Feast upholds a tradition from a time where 16th century fisherman in Sciacca, Sicily showed devotion to the Madonna del Soccorso (Our Lady of Help). Beginning in 1911, this is Boston’s oldest continuously running Italian festival, and today’s feast entertains more than 50,000 visitors over its four-day party from Aug. 14-17. After the Madonna procession, the fishing waters are blessed—a tribute to fishermen of yesteryear. The merriment continues, culminating with the spectacular "Flight of the Angel,” in which a young girl is hoisted up to deliver an offering to the Madonna. Find the full schedule here.