New York News

Only in Print: St. Rocco Procession Still Going Strong 133 Years After Its Debut

The lifters, including St. Rocco Society President Stephen LaRocca (right), raise the 100-pound statue to carry through the streets. The marchers started their journey on Baxter Street outside the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood and wound their way through lower Manhattan before returning to the church. (Photo: Paula Katinas)

LITTLE ITALY — A festive tradition that began here when Grover Cleveland was President of the U.S. is still going strong today, thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers who work to keep it alive.

The 133rd Annual St. Rocco Procession in Little Italy took place on Sunday, Aug. 21, with hundreds of marchers walking through the streets, some carrying…


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