Lawrence's Three Saints

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The City of Lawrence, Massachusetts has been known for its rich diversity and being the home of immigrants for centuries. Immigrants paved the way for a strong culture in a small city and left a custom behind that would be celebrated for decades. The Feast of the Three Saints is an Italian festival that celebrates the lives of the brothers who were killed for their faith. Alfio, Filadelfo, and Cirino were all brothers that were killed in Italy for following their Christian faith. In turn, their lives are celebrated every year in order to remember the strength they have and their significance in the Christian faith. Although the festival began as a celebration of the saints, it is an important part of the Lawrence community regardless of whether …show more content…

The reason the Society was established was to provide aid for the fellow Italians working in the textile mills that needed medical attention or other help. The inspiration behind forming this group came from the grand Festa that honors the Three Saints in Trecastagni, Sicily. The three saints of Trecastagni were Società di Mutuo Soccorso – Santi Martiri Alfio, Filadelfo and Cirino. People pay a membership fee in order for food and other assistance to be provided to every member when needed. The Society became very popular throughout the years as it was seen as a place of community and a way to worship together, which ultimately led to the first Feast celebration in 1923. In 1961, the Saint Alfio Society had gained so much popularity that they built a community hub where celebrations and traditions can be held. The creation of this building only helped make the Feast of the Three Saints a more permanent event. While the original creators of the Feast are no longer alive, their families and communities continue to hold the traditional festival and honor …show more content…

The festival takes place over Labor Day weekend (three days) and shuts down the four blocks that surround The Shrine Center in Lawrence, Massachusetts. While it is a celebration that is centered around religion, there is a cultural aspect that celebrates Italian customs. The procession is usually done on the first night and contains a band that plays Scicilian music, a lightshow, fireworks, and confetti. The procession is filled with lots of singing and joy as people honor the traditions that were brought from Sicily and gather in community. The final and most important part of the night was the procession of the Saint Alfio Society board members carrying a statue of the three saints. The procession is filled with lots of singing and joy as people honor the traditions that were brought from Sicily and gather in community. The board members carry the statue of the saints throughout the entire festival so that everyone can get a good view. Throughout the rest of the weekend, the festival includes live performances from bands and dancers, as well as Italian food trucks and concession stands. The family-oriented festival provides entertainment and is inclusive for people of all ages and

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