The North End’s most popular sights to visit may be Paul Revere’s House or the Old North Church, but Bostonians know that in August the real attractions are the feasts. Each weekend in August there is a North End Feast, and they are worth checking out.
In 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 mom and pop shops. Today, the North End retains its Italian American heritage thanks to the old-world streets, historic buildings and plenty of places to get a bowl of pasta or a cappuccino (or an espresso martini!). But to get the best taste of the proud Italian heritage of the neighborhood, visit the North End in August during any of the Feasts.
What are the North End Feasts all about?
Each weekend celebrates a different Italian saint or martyr with plenty of music, dancing, street food and parades. Walking through the streets of the North End during one of the summer feasts really makes you feel like you are back in the old country, it’s one of the best things to do in Boston in the summertime.
When and where are they?
The timing shifts each year, but basically if it is a weekend in August, you will probably run into a parade or a street food extravaganza in the North End. And don’t worry you won’t miss it; they take over pretty much the whole neighborhood.
August 17, 18, 19, & 20, 2023 - 'Fisherman’s Feast' of the Madonna Del Soccorso di Sciacca
The Fisherman’s Feast is an annual event that began in Boston in 1911 and is based on a tradition that goes back to the 16th century in Sciacca Sicily.
August 24, 2023 – Feast for Santa Lucia
Endicott & Thacher Streets
August 24-25, 2023 – St. Lucy’s Feast
Thacher & Endicott Streets
St. Lucy's Feast (Thursday/Friday - Aug. 24 - 25)
August 24, 25, 26 and 27, 2023 – Saint Anthony’s Feast
Named the “Feast of all Feasts” by National Geographic Magazine.
Endicott, Thacher & N. Margin Streets
September 10, 2023 – Santa Rosalia di Palermo
1:00 pm – Procession only – North Square