The Feast (part 1)
A miracle: Having sold his goods in a neighboring town, the man was traveling back to his village. It was dark and he was riding a cart pulled by a mule. As the story has been told, the man was attacked by several robbers and beaten up. Lying there badly hurt he prayed to the Virgin Mary for help. An apparition of the Blessed Mother appeared in the sky. The robbers fled, leaving the man to die. He was carried to the safety of his home by his mule. He lived to tell of this miracle. The year was 1903 and the place, Altamura, Italy.
Would you think I was weird if I told you that every year my family gathers in a small concrete park in North Bergen, NJ to carry around a life-size statue of the Virgin Mary? And how before that, she was carried by members of my family in a park in Brooklyn? That our entire family – men, women and children, regardless of height and/or strength – participate? That we bear the weight of the statue on our shoulders parading her around to the tunes of Italian folk music as played by a brass band, whose median age, I must tell you, is like 70 years old? That for 15 meters we, as does each family that takes part in this festa, pay our respects to our ancestors and to their homeland, remembering those who are no longer with us and asking protection from the Virgin Mary for the year ahead? I would probably find it a bit odd if I were you. But for me, it’s perfectly normal, and, until I left the United States, it was how I spent every single Labor Day weekend – aside from the year I was born and the year my cousin got married.
My family’s history is not unlike many other immigrant stories from the early 20th century. My great grandfather, Giambatista Ferrandino, would journey to America from his small town of Altamura, in search of a better life. He would settle in Brooklyn, NY among others from his town. They spoke barese. They made a living by delivering ice.
In 1925, seven men, all from Altamura, formed an organization, a society, with the purpose of preserving their devotion to their Madonna, Maria SS. del Buoncammino, the protector of safe passage, and carrying on cultural traditions. The organization would also serve as a benefit society, providing assistance to members who were in greatest need. First order of business for the society was to organize a festa, or “feast”, to celebrate the miracle, as they had always done back home in Italy.
Today, my father is a member of this society, as his father was. We carry on the traditions of our family.
When I was a young girl, I would walk with my great grandmother Anunziatta (Nancy) the 100 yards from our family’s designated area in the park to the chapel where they kept the statue of the Virgin Mary. We’d enter the chapel and she’d point out the painting that hung on the wall and the framed original charter of the Society. Then, she’d tell me the story about the man and the robbers and she’d point out the name of my great grandfather, her husband. Then she’d say something, probably in the barese dialect ’cause I never understood it, kneel in front of the Madonna and make the sign of the cross. Then we’d walk the 100 yards back to the family and wait for the procession to begin.
One year I had learned how to dance the Tarantella for a ballet recital and I remember how it brought her such great joy to watch me as I went through the steps of the traditional southern Italian folk dance.
I never knew my grandfather. He died several years before I was born. I’m named after him. My grandmother died when I was 6 years old. So, aside from the photos I’ve seen and the stories I’ve been told, I don’t have many memories of her. My father doesn’t believe in visiting cemeteries. The feast was always my connection to them, my one opportunity during the year to be close to them to feel their presence and to feel like they were watching us. I miss that part of it all.
Really good job, takes a very difficult thing to explain and makes it somewhat understandable to the general public. Love, Dad
JJF
September 3, 2007 at 12:03 pm
I really enjoyed reading that – a very vivid piece of writing about something I’d never know otherwise.
Sometimes I read things like this and realise how many interesting and colourful stories and traditions are all around use, but often we’re blind to them.
prospectus
September 3, 2007 at 2:08 pm
I remember you always going to this. Don’t think I ever really knew all the details about it. Certainly interesting.
Michelle C.
September 4, 2007 at 9:21 pm
……..we live in a world where people look for little signs and things for hope. Your story was inspiring because I lived the same memories as you. I remember all the sights, smells, aromas of the feast…the taste of freshly made lemon ice and spumoni. I remember the band playing while the fireworks were being shot off. My grandmother and your greatgrandmother were friends. I remember your greatgrandmother. Your grandfather and my uncle were good friends, and I believe passed away the same year. I just happened to go online yesterday because I was somewhat depressed thinking about the feast, and when I was a child….thank you for sharing all those great memories…dont ever let them fade…I loved your closing line…we do this because we are altamurani…bravo…
rich d
September 5, 2007 at 11:58 am
Omg. I go to the same thing every year myself.When i tell people they think it is strange.It is amazing to actually see other people do participate even though other people do in the small park.I am 14 and i cant imagine not going to the feast its my favorite tradition.
Ashley
October 1, 2007 at 8:07 pm
Hi There,
My Dad has been speaking of this feast for many years and yesterday, my sister and I found your website and it brought tears to my Dad’s eyes. He is 88 years old and was born in Altamura. He came to America as a child and has visited his town several times over the years .
I live only about 6 miles from the park in North Bergen. It is too bad for us that we missed the feast by 2 weeks but we hope to be there next year, God willing. Does anything else happen in the Park at other times related to our culture?
Meanwhile I am looking forward to finding more information regarding Altamura. Thanks so much.
Peace and Blessings,
Barbara
Barbara Cappelli
September 15, 2008 at 12:36 pm
The Feast and its significance goes beyond tradition and memories. It is a thread that links us to those GIANTS who braved the storm, faced a puzzling prejudice and refused the easy government dole to make their and our lives better. Today, we the alleged educated and proud decendents stand on the shoulders of these Altamurani. We are able to see ahead becuase of them.
The Feast will always survive. If you do not come, even for a momnet, you do a disservice to them and to yourselves.
It should be noted that the founders never wanted a “street feast”. Too public. They did not want to be understood by outsiders nor did they care. Personally, I still feel the same way. The organization helps each other socially, morally, spiritually and when necessary, financially. It is nice to try to explain to “outsiders” why we do what we do but it is enough to just do it
john m
July 1, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Barbara
What is your Dads last name?
john m
July 1, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Hi. My parents were born in altamura and imigrated to Montreal, Canada in 1957 and soon after I was born.
My name is Pascal and I enjoy discussing with my Dad his good old days. My Dad’s last name is Salvatore and my mother’s maiden name is Calia. Wonder if your parents know then from when they were children ? My e-mail : pascal_salvatore@hotmail.com
Pascal
January 29, 2009 at 6:57 pm
My grandfather was also from Altamura, Italy. Franciso D’Ambrosio moved to the US in 1927 and also had an ice and coal delivery company in the lower east side of New York City. He was a proud member of “the society” as is my father, myself, my son and my cousin. Although I live in Las Vegas now I never miss the annual event. I already have my round trip tickets purchased for myself and my family. If you come by our table you can have a glass of red wine with us or maybe some espresso. Our table is by space 10. Great story, Viva La Festa!!!
Paul P. D’Ambrosio
Paul P. D'Ambrosio
August 13, 2009 at 3:16 am
I loved reading that. I go there every year. Was Miss Altamura back in 2001
Can’t wait for Sept. 6th-7th 2009!
Deirdre Maino
August 26, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Nice story! I am looking forward to enjoying this year’s Feast coming up. I am headed there this weekend with some good friends of mine Lisa Comodo LoDico and Gaetano LoDico.
Tanti auguri!
PD
http://www.olmcfeast.com that’s our Feast in Brooklyn.
patrick
September 3, 2009 at 2:01 pm