HOBOKEN ITALIAN FESTIVAL 2019: Feast of the Madonna Dei Martiri, September 5-8

The Hoboken Italian Festival returns to Sinatra Drive along the Waterfront this Thursday, September 5, featuring—rides, games, music and of course, FOOD.

The traditional procession of the Madonna Dei Martiri will take place on Saturday, September 7th, following Mass at St. Francis Church.

Madonna Dei Martiri (Madonna of the Martyrs) is the patron saint of sailors, stemming from the 12th Century when Italian sailors returned from the Crusades to the town of Molfetta and found 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.

MOLFETTA DAY: Hoboken’s Societa Madonna Dei Martiri

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

This year’s Festival will take place on Sinatra Drive, between Pier A and Pier C.

THURSDAY 9/5
5:00 to 6:00 pm Johnny Maggio
6:00 to 6:30 pm one95music
7:00 to 10:00 pm Blame It On The Girl
10:00 to 11:00 pm DJ Onesti

FRIDAY 9/6
5:00 to 6:00 Johnny Maggio
6:00 to 7:00 DJ Onesti
7:00 to 11:00 Evolution X

SATURDAY 9/7 FEAST DAY
Auguri & Buona Festa!

This year’s procession begins at 2 pm, when the City of Hoboken will rename the intersection of 4th & Adams Streets “Via Madonna dei Martiri.”

11:00 am Mass at St. Francis Church
Noon Festival opens with Johnny Maggio
1:30 to 2:15 Pete Pettinelli Italian Classics
2:30 to 3:15 Opera Hour: Puccini to Pavarotti
3:30 to 4:15 Crooner Time: Mario Lanza and other crooner greats
4:30 to 5:30: Con Le Donne Italian Duets
6:00 to 6:30 Romina Perri
7:00 to 11:00 R3 Brothers

FIREWORKS @ 9:00!!!

SUNDAY 9/8
Noon Festival opens with Johnny Maggio
1:30 to 5:30 Hoboken All Star Music Jam—feat. Copperhead, Psychodelic Angel, Music Resistance, and Krystal.
6:00 to 6:30 Annual Grape Stomp Contest
7:00 to 9:00 Billy & The Jets: A special tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John

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