Despite its name, Little Italy knows how to throw a big celebration.
This year’s Feast of the Assumption — beginning on Aug. 12 — features religious ceremonies alongside food, music and entertainment for Little ltaly residents and visitors alike. Residents of Little Italy are well-versed in celebrating the Feast, as the neighborhood has been celebrating the Catholic remembrance of the assumption of Mary into Heaven since 1898. Today, it is also recognized as a celebration of the neighborhood’s ethnic heritage.
“It brings faith and family together,” says Joseph Previte, pastor of the Little Italy’s Holy Rosary Church. “It’s just a way for people to come together and realize that we have something to celebrate.”
After being cancelled in 2020, Little Italy is ready to make up for lost time with this year’s Feast. Here’s what you should know before you go.
It’s a four-day celebration.
Little Italy’s celebration starts Aug. 12 and runs through Aug. 15. Throughout the weekend, you’ll find children’s rides, games, music and other entertainment in Holy Roasry’s parking lot. Though the festivities will be scaled back due to COVID precautions, most activities will take place outdoors. Enjoy Italian classics and folk music from Avanti Band, Alla Boara, Primavera Band, the Italian Band of Cleveland and others. Additionally, some groups will be walking and preforming on Mayfield Road. A full schedule of events can be found on Holy Rosary’s website.
Get ready for delicious Italian food.
A tip: come hungry. Throughout the four-day celebration, Holy Rosary will be hosting a variety of Italian foods and desserts. After a year without the celebration, you’ll be ready to devour the homemade meatballs, cavatelli and more. The celebration doesn’t end there either, as Mayfield Road will feature countless vendors, restaurants and cafes. “I think it is a part of cultural pride and Italian heritage,” says Previte.
Celebrate the religious feast day at Holy Rosary Church.
Holy Rosary will also be hosting religious events throughout the weekend to commemorate the feast day. Along with holding a prayer every night of the Feast at 6 p.m, Holy Rosary will also be hosting four different services on Sunday; two of which will end with through Mayfield Road “Those are very moving and meaningful,” Previte says. “Those are both two things for sure I would encourage people to do if they can.”
When You Go: Holy Rosary Church, 12021 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland, 216-421-2995, https://holy-rosary.org
