Last Updated on August 25, 2025 by Editor
Members and friends of the Santa Rosalia Society honored their patron saint on the weekend of Sept. 23 and 24 with its annual festival, Mass and procession. Hundreds gathered to share food, drink, entertainment and camaraderie, In 1915, immigrants from Sicily, and particularly Palermo, established the first Santa Rosalia festival in East Utica. It was a simple affair and took place in a backyard on Jay Street across from the site of the present Santa Rosalia Chapel. In the following year, the festivities became more elaborate, and yearly attendance blossomed to the point that by 1920, local English-language newspapers spoke of it. Lights were strung across Mohawk Street from Bleecker to Broad streets. The air was filled with the sound of music and the delicious odor of Italian food. People worshiped, mingled, socialized, relived memories and became acquainted with new entrants into the community. Thank tradition, on a smaller scale, continues today. Photos courtesy of Fred Valentini.
