ABSTRACT
A bandstand in the shape of a fishing vessel, its “deck” gaily decorated with ribbons, has been erected alongside the parish church. People mill along the streets, speaking their regional dialects, Italian, or a transitional language that combines English vocabulary with Italian grammar and pronunciation. American priests and bishops had little patience with the extravagance of feste during the early years of mass immigration from Italy. The statue leaves its normal place of repose and, carried on a platform by six or eight men, makes its way through the city streets, returning to the church. The clergy, representatives of parish organizations, and the festival queen follow the statue on its way. Anyone may join in at any point along the route. Formerly for a day and now often for a weekend or longer, the festa has allowed Italian Americans to convey who they are in a public, celebratory mode that displays their distinctive contribution to Christian ritual behavior.
