The 2014 Fiaccolata di San Rocco Is October 18

The annual Fiaccolata di San Rocco Is October 18—thanks to Magna GRECE for keeping a list of these things. It is sponsored by the Societá Gioventú Quagliettana, whose clubhouse resides in a house on 28th Ave (not far from the Irish Rover). I’ve passed by there many times and wondered about it. For those that are wondering, a fiaccolata is a candlelight procession, and that’s exactly what will happen Saturday evening. Here’s a description from 2011:

Holding candles, the women and children sang traditional songs and prayers commemorating the death of their patron while the men carried a litter bearing the saint. The somber procession began at the society’s social club (3704 28th Ave.) and made its way through the neighborhood to the beautiful St. Joseph’s Church, where services were held.

St. Joseph’s is on 30th Ave near 43rd Street. The processional will start around 7 p.m.

The Societá Gioventú Quagliettana is a benevolent society that is over 100 years old, and is connected to the town of Quaglietta in the Campanian region in the south of Italy. The society provided assistance to immigrants from the area, and still does charitable work to this day.

This is a wonderful opportunity to witness a cultural tradition that hearkens back to days gone by. As always, we encourage you to observe and be respectful if you plan to attend. No doubt it will be a beautiful sight at night!