The much-adored Ferragosto Festival of Little Italy in the Bronx returns in September.
The Bronx Little Italy Ferragosto Festival made a triumphant return on Sunday, September 8, 2022, marking the 100th anniversary of Arthur Avenue in the Bronx's Belmont neighborhood. This annual event, which has been running for over two decades, is a staple in the community and a tradition for many generations.
Organizers of the festival were thrilled to welcome everyone back, expressing excitement about the return of the annual fall celebrations. Peter Madonia, President of the Belmont Business Improvement District, shared his sentiments, saying, "We are delighted to bring back the Bronx Little Italy Ferragosto Festival this year. It's a celebration of our rich Italian heritage and a chance for the community to come together and enjoy the fruits of our labour."
The festival took place from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm along Arthur Avenue, between East 187th Street and Crescent Avenue. Visitors were treated to a full taste of authentic Italian culture, including live music, lively performances, and mouth-watering food.
The live music and entertainment stage was located on East 186th Street, between Arthur Avenue and Hughes Avenue. Thousands gathered at the festival every year on the Sunday after Labor Day, and this year was no exception. The festival took place rain or shine, so visitors were encouraged to check the weather forecast and come prepared with an umbrella or poncho if necessary.
Parking was available at Fordham University (685 E Fordham Rd) for $10, with free shuttle service to and from the event from 11am to 7pm. While specific vendors for 2022 were not detailed in the sources, the festival typically includes family-run Italian food vendors and artisanal booths offering Italian specialties.
Last year's vendor lineup included Artuso Pastry Shop, Calabria Pork Store, Emilia's Restaurant, Funici A'Pizza, Mario's Restaurant, Pasquale's Rigoletto Restaurant, Randazzo's Seafood, San Gennaro Ristorante, and Vincent's Meat Market. It is assumed that the same vendors will be participating this year, but this has not been confirmed.
Visitors could sample a variety of Italian snacks, including pizza, pasta, and pastries, as they enjoyed the festivities. The festival recognised the end of the harvest season and the enjoyment of the fruits of labour, a tradition known as Ferragosto. Ferragosto is one of Italy's most celebrated national holidays.
The Bronx Little Italy Ferragosto Festival is a celebration of the rich Italian heritage in the Belmont neighbourhood, and it is a testament to the resilience and strength of the community. It is a day to come together, enjoy delicious food, and celebrate the end of the harvest season. The festival is free to attend, but the cost of food is additional. We look forward to seeing you at the next Bronx Little Italy Ferragosto Festival!
[1] Bronx Little Italy Ferragosto Festival [2] Belmont Business Improvement District [3] Ferragosto Festival [4] Bronx Little Italy
- The Bronx Little Italy Ferragosto Festival, which is a free event to attend, offers a taste of authentic Italian lifestyle, complete with live music, lively performances, and a variety of food-and-drink options.
- As part of the home-and-garden celebration, the festival recognizes the end of the harvest season and the enjoyment of the fruits of labor, paying homage to the traditional Ferragosto tradition, a national holiday in Italy.
