Philadelphia's Italian Market Festival held today in Philly's original "Little Italy" neighborhood was an astounding success, drawing huge crowds amidst bright, sunny weather.
As always, the highlight of the two-day festival was the beautiful Procession of the Saints. The procession starts at Saint Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Church (712 Montrose Street) and pauses at 9th and Washington Avenue for the Blessing of the Market, before concluding at Saint Paul Catholic Church at the corner of South Hutchinson and Christian Streets.
The pinning of money to ribbons dangling from the statues seems to have origins in the practice of many new immigrants, who, to be remembered and as a declaration of their newfound prosperity, sent money back home to be visibly displayed on the statue of the community’s patron Saint, in the church and in processions. Today, many devotees simply make a prayer and pin money as an offering in support of the religious institution that is fostering their spiritual belief and needs.
The procession pauses from time to time to give blessings by sprinkling Holy Water, a ritual tradition for expiatory and purificatory purposes attributed to the Apostle St. Matthew, which recalls the baptismal rite that spiritually bound the community together.
We hope you enjoy the photos we took during this marvelous procession which winds its way through a neighborhood rich in Italian American history.
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