Celebrating the Feast of Sant'Antuono Abate

Fucarazzo di Sant'Antuono, or St. Anthony’s Bonfire
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Friday, January 17th — The Sanfedisti reconvened in Manhattan Friday evening at the Shrine Church of the Holy Innocents (128 West 37th St.) for the Feast of St. Anthony the Abbot. Arriving in time for the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Eucharistic Adoration, we sat in quiet contemplation before praying the Perpetual novena for “The Return Crucifix,” the Holy Rosary, and for the Holy Father’s good intensions. Following the Benediction, the faithful had the opportunity to venerate the Relic of the True Cross by the altar rail. Tridentine Low Mass was celebrated by our pastor Fr. James Miara.

(L) Sant'Antuono prayer cards with missal. (R) The Return Crucifix

Racing back to Dyker Heights, Brooklyn we joined our San Rocco Society brethren at our friend Stephen’s house for dinner, drinks, and, of course, the Fucarazzo di Sant'Antuono, or St. Anthony’s Bonfire. For the longest time, the fête was a quiet, intimate affair, but in recent years it has steadily grown with family and friends clamoring to take part in this ancient folk tradition. 

After dinner, which was generously provided by the La Rocca family, devotees once again braved the cold and huddled around the festive conflagration to enjoy the warmth of the mesmerizing flames, dance, sing hymns, and pray to our glorious patron. Viva Sant’Antonio!

Our gracious hosts Stephen and Lucia

Partygoers enjoyed a delicious repast

Lucy, Andrew and Anna

John and Maria 

Abstaining from meat on Fridays, I enjoyed some delicious
crocchè di patate, frittata di maccheroni and zucchini fritti

(L) Donations for the upcoming Feast of San Rocco were 
pinned onto the Saint's statue. (R) Rucolino, amaro alla rucola 

We quickly polished off another bottle of Amaro Lucano 

The Sanfedisti can always be counted on to fly 
the flag of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies

Andrew gets the fire started as Steve leads us in prayer

An old Christmas tree is tossed onto the fire 

(Above & below) It quickly turns into a towering inferno

Devotees gather around the firepit for some warmth

Revelers sing traditional Neapolitan folk songs and dance around the fire 

(Above & below) A good time was had by all 

Raymond, Marco and Giorgio

(L) John and Lucy. (R) Andrew tends the fire

The festivities continued well into the night