HOBOKEN, N.J. \u2014 The Hoboken Italian Festival marked its 100th anniversary Saturday with a waterfront celebration full of food, live entertainment, family activities and longtime traditions at Sinatra Park.<\/p>\n
Saturday is known as Feast Day, a centerpiece of the four-day festival that brings together generations of families and visitors to celebrate Hoboken\u2019s Italian American community.<\/p>\n
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\t Festival goers spent the day browsing the many booths, enjoying Italian favorites and taking in the atmosphere along the Hudson River.<\/p>\n \u201cWe love pizza, sausages and it looks so delicious,\u201d one attendee said.<\/p>\n For many families, the festival offers a chance to spend time together outdoors while celebrating a tradition they grew up with.<\/p>\n \u201cJust to spend time with family and enjoy the outdoors,\u201d one mother said.<\/p>\n The event honors Madonna dei Martiri, a beloved image of the Virgin Mary. Italian immigrants from Molfetta brought the feast tradition to Hoboken in 1927.<\/p>\n Feast Committee member Gregory Gallo said the weekend represents more than a celebration of Italian food and music.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is really the history of our country. We have so many immigrants that have come here and assimilated in our society,\u201d Gallo said.<\/p>\n Author Jennifer Payne also shared that history with children during the festival. Payne read from her new children\u2019s book, Sounds of America, which follows Paulie, a young boy arriving from Italy and discovering his new home through the people and sounds around him.<\/p>\n
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