Our Lady of Mount Carmel Italian festival

SPRINGFIELD, MASS (WWLP) - A tradition more than a century old was continued in Springfield's South End neighborhood Sunday.

Music, food and lots of proud Italians all gathered at The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society to celebrate and honor their Italian heritage.

70 year old, Rosario Giordano proudly told 22News he is the oldest member of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society and could not be more proud of his Italian culture.

Many of Greater Springfield's proud Italian-Americans crowded the streets of the South End to honor the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Madonna.

Pastor Robert White told 22News the procession of the Madonna is deeply rooted within the Italian community of Springfield.

Mike Barbarisi told 22News, “Its good to keep it alive and get together once a year. Good to see familiar faces you don't run into all the time.”