The tradition and customs of honoring Saint Anthony of Padua in the North End of Boston date back to early part of the twentieth century and the large numbers of southern Italian immigrants that reached the shores of America at that time. Hundreds of thousands of poor European immigrants flooded the urban centers of northeastern United States. In Boston these immigrants settled in the North End. These immigrants brought with them the customs and traditions that they celebrated in their homeland for centuries.
I've been to this festival several times in the past 40 years and yes those are the same decorations.
Great food, parades, fireworks and people watching.
Townspeople, dressed in white clothing carry a large statue of St. Anthony through the streets of Boston's North End. The statue is adorned with ribbons, and as it's passed through the crowded street, locals pin money to the ribbons. The people consider this an offering to St. Anthony; the money is later dispersed to charities.
I've been trying to find out the significance of the watches
Getting ready for the parade...
The locals find a good viewing spot
Tourists! Over a million folks flock to the narrow streets to celebrate.
Walking back to the car, a few blocks from the crowds.
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