A Look at the 126th Annual Feast of Our Lady of the Snow, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Final preparations are made before Tuesday’s celebration 
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

By Giovanni di Napoli

Back from my Boston pilgrimage (See part 1, part 2), I headed to Williamsburg, Brooklyn for the 126th Annual Feast of the Madonna della Neve (Our Lady of the Snow), New York City's oldest southern Italian festival. 

Despite it being a weekday, there was a nice turnout for the event. Mass was celebrated in packed St. Francis of Paola Church by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, who spoke at length about the Blessed Mother and the Miracle of the Snow. Afterward, the Procession slowly made its way through the neighborhood with song and prayer. Hours later, we returned to the clubhouse for some refreshments and an all around good time. It was wonderful to see so many people show up to participate in the festivities and honor the Patroness of Sanza.

I offer my sincere and heartfelt thanks to the Our Lady of the Snow Society for their hard work and generosity. As always, they did a fantastic job. Evviva Maria!

This Year’s Grand Marshal Kevin D'Angelo with girlfriend Jessie Hopkins

Certificates of achievement were presented to Antonio Curccio (accepted by his wife Teresa) and Salvatore Ventimiglia for their hard work and dedication

Scholarships were generously awarded to Anthony Ventimiglia from Sara Berman, and to Nicole DiNardo from Ann Haddad. We are grateful to all the scholarship donors and wish these promising young students all the best.

Long time supporter Assemblyman Joe Lentol presents a proclamation from the New York State Assembly to the society on the occasion of their 126th Feast 

Our Lady of the Snow is presented to the expectant crowd

Members salute the flag during the National Anthem

(Above and below) Members of the Our Lady of the Snow Ladies Auxiliary carry the Blessed Mother to San Sabino. The ritual is a reenactment, albeit on a much smaller scale, of the centuries-old tradition that takes place in Sanza

The Procession makes its way down Graham Avenue 

Bishop DiMarzio welcomes the Procession to St. Francis of Paola Church 

Alyssa and Amanda show their pride 

The Giglio Band play a tribute outside the San Sabino Society clubhouse

A good time was had by all 

Refreshments were generously provided by the Mazza family (Left) and Fortunato Brothers Cafe & Pasticceria (Right)

Members of the San Sabino Society show their support

Back at the club the party was just getting started