There’s something about the old neighborhood
What is it about this little part of Boston (less than a square mile) that draws 10’s of millions of visitors annually? What makes the North End so special and unique and so charming worldwide? Why is the North End the very first attraction Mayor Wu mentions when welcoming new arrivals on her recorded greeting at Logan Airport?
Is it merely its historical significance? Is it the fact that it is the oldest residential community, which has been inhabited since it was colonized in the 1630s? Is it all the revolutionary sites found on the Freedom trail like the Old North Church, Copps Hill Cemetary and Paul Revere’s House? Is it the fame of some of our most prominent former residents: Increase Mather, the Hutchinson family, or Tony Demarco, Welterweight champion of the World?
The reasons are manifold. Some certainly come for our authentic Italian restaurants, the best in the country, or our exquisite pastry shops or just to smell and taste the bread and pizza. While others may just come because of our proximity to the Boston Garden, there does seem to be a deeper draw at work, a certain feel that our neighborhood leaves you with long after you visit.
It’s not the place, its the people. It’s the warm, vibrant tight knit neighborhood that has been marinated over decades – all in a small pot. Our very geography of narrow streets and our past seclusion from other parts of Boston by an overpass and the MBTA, have converged to create a warm family feel to all who visit.
All of this comes together and culminates in one of the most distinguishing characteristics of the North End - our revered feast traditions. These amazing processions during the summer were brought over by the faith of our grandparents who came from Italy and Sicily over a hundred years ago. These sacred traditions of venerating saints such as St Anthony, Madonna Della Cava and St Lucy, continue to shape the morals and the values of our neighborhood. Hoisting our cherished local super hero- saints on our shoulders and proudly parading them around our streets while the marching band plays, is not only a moment of honoring our ancestors and perpetuating their devotions, but a sincere gesture of personal and public thanksgiving to God from the heart for all the prayers answered through their intercession This usually comes in the form of placing money and jewelry over them at various stops along the route. The North End boldly and unapologetically proclaims our deepest held values and beliefs during these celebrations: Faith and Family – joyously celebrated with an abbondanza of great Food.