Celebrating Fat Tuesday with the Dante Alighieri Society of Jersey City

Due Sicilie pride on display
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Carnevale culminated Tuesday evening at the Annual Dante Alighieri Society’s famous Martedì Grasso, or Fat Tuesday, celebration in Jersey City, New Jersey (562 Summit Ave.). A New Orleans’ themed party replete with shiny beads, colorful masks, and swinging jazz music, revelers stuffed themselves one final time before the penitential season of Lent with a veritable cuccagna of delicious southern Italian and spicy Cajun specialties, including jambalaya, chili con carne, and porchetta.

Warmly welcomed, the Fratelli della Santa Fede (Brothers of the Holy Faith) were given a tour of the clubhouse, which boasts two bars, a smoking lounge, a brand new billiards table, and a stocked wine cellar.

After dinner, we enjoyed some espresso, sweet Argentinian dessert empanadas, cigars, and a taste of their latest homemade vino novello.

Thank you President Al Cupo and all the members of the Dante Alighieri Society of Jersey City, Inc. for organizing this extraordinary celebration. Your hospitality is second to none.

Special thanks to the Tiscornia family—Lou, Linda, Jude and Michella— for extending the invitation and making us feel right at home. It was a great joy to celebrate our faith and culture together.

~ Giovanni di Napoli, Feast of San Gabriele dell'Addolorata

Lou welcomes everyone to the party

Carmine, Jude and Andrew

Mike and John

Argentine 'panadas with apple filling

An avid oenophile, Lou gave us an informative tour of their wine cellar

The wine is fermented in small casks