HOBOKEN ITALIAN FESTIVAL 2018: Feast of the Madonna Dei Martiri, September 6-9

The Hoboken Italian Festival returns to Sinatra Drive along the Waterfront this Thursday, September 6, featuring—rides, games, music and of course, FOOD.

The traditional procession of the Madonna Dei Martiri will take place on Saturday, September th. Madonna Dei Martiri (Madonna of the Martyrs) is the patron saint of sailors, stemming from the occasion in the 12th Century when Italian sailors returned from the Crusades to the town of Molfetta to find an icon of the Madonna in the harbor.

Throughout the years, many of Hoboken’s Italian immigrants have maintained a strong connection to Molfetta, and the traditional Feast of the Madonna Dei Martiri was first celebrated here in 1927.

These days, the 800-lb statue is carried from St. Francis Church through the streets of Hoboken down to the Waterfront—boards a ferry for a trip along the Hudson, then back through the Festival.

Typically in Sinatra Park, this year’s Festival will take place slightly south on Sinatra Drive, between Pier A and Pier C, and feature TWO stages for LIVE ENTERTAINMENT…

THURSDAY 9/6
5:00 Festival Opening Ceremony
5:00 Johnny Maggio
6:00 Alexandra DeMattia
7:00 Changing Lanes
10:00 DJ Onesti

FRIDAY 9/7
Freestyle Friday, presented by Big Daddy Entertainment, returns to the Hoboken Italian Festival!
Starting at 6 pm…featuring DJ Rey and DJ Macho. Live performances by Judy Torres, Lime, Boriqua Posse, Dani Dante, Alus, Roger Ortega, and More!

SATURDAY 9/8 FEAST DAY
Auguri & Buona Festa!
11:00 am Mass at St. Francis Church
Noon Festival opens with Johnny Maggio
2:30 Sinatra Stylings of Nick Pontarelli
4:30 Vanessa Racci Band – Italiana Fresca
7:00 to 11:00 pm MGM Band
9:00 pm -Fireworks Extravaganza on Pier A!

SUNDAY 9/9
Noon Festival opens with Johnny Maggio
1:00 one95
2:00 Dan Amato & The Sentimental Gentlemen
4:00 Gruppo Nostra
5:30 Annual Grape Stomp Contest: Hoboken PD vs Hoboken FD
6:00 R3 Brothers
9:15 Winner of the Super 50/50 Raffle Announced