Perhaps the most popular North End sites to visit are the Paul Revere House or the Old North Church, but Bostonians know that in August the real attractions are the parties. Every weekend in August there is a North End Feast, and they are worth a visit.
From the late 1800s through the 1930s, Italian immigrants flocked to Boston’s North End, creating an Italian-American neighborhood filled with Italian restaurants, barbershops, and family-run shops. Today, the North End retains its Italian-American heritage with old-world streets, historic buildings, and plenty of places to grab a bowl of pasta or a cappuccino (or an espresso martini!). But for the best taste of the neighborhood’s proud Italian heritage, visit the North End in August during one of the fiestas.
What are the North End Feasts?
Each weekend celebrates a different Italian saint or martyr with lots of music, dancing, street food and parades. Strolling the streets of the North End during one of the summer fiestas really makes you feel like you’re back in the old country, it’s one of the best things to do in Boston in the summer.
When and where are they?
The schedule changes every year, but basically if it’s a weekend in August you’re likely to encounter a parade or street food extravaganza in the North End. And don’t worry, you won’t miss it; they invade almost the whole neighborhood.
August 4, 5, 6 and 7 – Feast of Saint Agrippina of Mineo
The party opens at 7 p.m. on August 4; 12pm-11pm from August 5 to 7
August 12, 13 & 14 – Feast of the Madonna Della Cava
The party opens at 7 p.m. on August 12; 12pm-11pm August 13-14
August 18, 19, 20 and 21 – ‘Fisherman’s Festival’ of the Madonna Del Soccorso di Sciacca
The party opens at 6 p.m. on August 18; 12pm-11pm from August 19 to 21
August 25, 2022 – Feast of Santa Lucia
5:00 p.m. Thursday evening procession
August 26, 2021 – Feast of Saint Lucia
7:00 p.m. Thursday evening procession
August 26, 27 and 28, 2022 – Feast of Saint Anthony
The party opens at 7 p.m. on August 26, 12 p.m.-11 p.m. on August 27 and 28
