Celebrating the 124th ‘Feast of Saint Rocco’ on the LES [PHOTOS]
This image has been archived or removed.
Yesterday afternoon was the annual celebration of the Feast of Saint Rocco, a Lower East Side tradition since the late nineteenth century. The procession began after Sunday mass at St. Joseph’s Church on Monroe Street, and continued to the streets of Little Italy. We caught up with the parade, marching to the beat of a snare, just around the corner on Cherry Street…
The religious tradition was founded on the now-defunct Roosevelt Street in 1889 by immigrants from the southern Italian City of Potenza. From the St. Rocco Society of Potenza website:
The focus of the feast is the procession of the Statue of St. Rocco. Even before St. Rocco begins “his walk” through the neighborhood he is nearly covered with the money offerings of his faithful. The statue carried on the shoulders of the members is accompanied by an Italian street band for the entire length of the approximately three hour long walk. Following the statue, march the devotees as a means of thanking the saint for his powerful help and looking forward to future graces and blessings through his intercession.
This gallery has been removed.
Recent Stories
Chinatown Garment Industry Hanging by a Thread
Once a hub of manufacturing for the city’s garment industry, there are only a few remaining factories in Chinatown from a peak in the hundreds. The localized industry, which once employed thousands of immigrant women and men, sparked an area restaurant boom in the 1970s. Yet, began to decline in the late 1980s when manufacturers started […]
Residents Unite Against Developer Plans to Swap Park for Parking on LES Waterfront
Residents on the Lower East Side waterfront may soon lose more publicly accessible outdoor space. The developer of a new super-tall plans to reduce a children’s playground to a parking lot. As excavation work commences on Chetrit Group’s 70-story, twin-towered development at 265 South Street, tenants in the adjacent building – Lands End II – […]
Chinatown Homeless Murder Suspect Still Awaiting Trial
More than two years since the horrific murder of four homeless men in Chinatown, the suspect has yet to be held accountable for the crimes. In the early morning hours of October 5, 2019 Randy Santos stalked, then allegedly bludgeoned to death Cheun Kwok, Anthony Manson, Florencio Moran and Nazario Vasqez-Villegas while asleep on the streets. In […]
Excavation Begins for 70-Story South Street Towers
Cranes, and plywood, and pile-drivers, oh my! Such is the story down on the Lower East Side waterfront. Department of Buildings on April 12 issued official approval to the Chetrit Group to begin foundation activities for its dual 70-story tower at 265 South. A month later, the big trucks are mobilized. While excavation is now […]
For 7th Year Running, Greek Jewish Festival Returns to Broome Street this Weekend
After a more subdued outing last year, the Greek Jewish Festival this spring is on the rebound, pulling out the stops. It returns on Sunday for another go-round. Founded by Kehila Kedosha Janina on Broome Street seven years ago, the event celebrates the culture and traditions of the Greek Jewish community. Years past saw crowds […]
