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.

The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society held their annual Italian festival and parade.

Many of Greater Springfield's proud Italian-Americans  crowded the streets of the South End Sunday morning, to honor the Our Lady of Mount Carmel and to celebrate their Italian heritage.

“I was very involved in the fest as a young man, a kid, all the way up, cleaning the streets. I'm very happy the leadership of the Mount Carmel Society continues this tradition,” said Mayor Domenic Sarno.

Following 10:30 mass, the festivities began with a procession through the streets.

The marching band led the way for the society and parishioners, who proudly displayed a beautiful statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Even though the face of the South End has changed over the years, its rich Italian history has been preserved through traditions like the Italian festival.

“It's still there. It's still there, and in the hearts of the people. They come from all over, really. Most of the people from the South End that we grew up with have moved,” said parishioner Anthony Mazzarino.

“It's a great opportunity to come together as a people and as a culture. This is a great homecoming type of thing,” said Dr. Giuseppe, who grew up in the South End.

“It means an awful lot to us. This is great for the whole community. Our celebration will never end, as long as we keep going,” said Rosario Giordano of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society.

And with faith and Italian pride this strong, the celebration is sure to continue for another 115 years.