For nearly half a century, the Santa Rosalia feast in Bensonhurst has been honoring the patron saint of Palermo, Italy. Held this year Aug. 17-27, the feast stretches along 18th Ave. from 68th St. to 75th St. The festival features a different musical performance every night, games and rides for children and international cuisine.
Although originally it was predominantly Italian, the feast now includes Chinese and Hispanic features to reflect changing demographics. Attendees can enjoy corn, rice balls and zeppolis, all in one meal. At night, the feast lights up the street. The Ferris wheel can be seen from blocks away adorned with colorful lights. At the center of the packed festival is the statue of St. Rosalia, located at 72nd St. Festival organizers offered the venerators a prayer card to take home.
On Sunday, Aug. 27, at 3 p.m., the statue will be marched in procession from the festival to nearby St. Dominic’s Church, where Mass will be celebrated in Italian at 4 p.m.
(Photos: Ed Wilkinson and Antonina Zielinska)