PHOTOS | Little Italy’s Ferragosto Festival doesn’t stop despite inclement weather

Mike Audi, owner of the Little Italy In the Bronx sauces, says his product is sold on the shelves of many local grocery stores. The business has been alive for 75 years and has attended Ferragosto almost every year. A portion of the profits made from the sauces goes directly to the Belmont Business Improvement District (BID), to continue supporting Little Italy. “Even in a rainstorm, (Ferragosto’s) one of the best places in the United States to enjoy Italian foods,” he added. Photo Pamela Rozon

Despite the pouring rain, the community gathered to take part in Ferragosto on Sunday, Sept 10, 2023. The festival, held every Sunday after Labor Day, drew hundreds of people to enjoy authentic Italian food by small local businesses as well as entertainment. “The rain is never a good time but the event is rain or shine. And I’m so thankful that people still are so passionate about the community and want to come out and have a good time,” said Alyssa Tucker, event organizer and executive director of the Belmont BID. Photo Pamela Rozon

This past Sunday, located on Arthur Avenue between East 187th Street and Crescent Avenue, was the annual Ferragosto festival. The event featured small local businesses selling authentic Italian food and live performances. Photo Pamela Rozon

The local business La Casa Grande Cigars showcases and sells its handmade cigars. The company has been around for 25 years and has attended the festival since its founding in 1997. Manager Kimberly Michaelis says the festival helps their businesses gain more traction within the community. The event also benefits the cigar rollers, who then get scouted by bigger corporations due to their skillful techniques. Photo Pamela Rozon

Ferragosto brought hundreds of NYC locals out to Little Italy in the Bronx to enjoy Italian cuisine. Tommsaso Conte, owner of D’Abruzzo, says it was his first time selling his food at the festival. Photo Pamela Rozon

Live entertainment was provided with the Department of Fools bringing smiles and laughter to attendees. The Fools continue the tradition of Commedia Dell’Arte, which is a style of street performance originating from Italy. Garrett Lawson, a member of the group, says they perform in various festivals with the goal of entertaining and attracting people to local vendors. Photo Pamela Rozon

Local mainstays like Mario’s Restaurant, Antonio’s Trattoria and Vincent’s Meat Market sold their traditional Italian cuisine on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. “The best is on display at this event and to see that it really puts a smile on my face and makes me hungry too,” said Alyssa Tucker. Photo Pamela Rozon

The annual festival featured various live performances by Elio Scaccio, Nick Veri, Jenna Esposito, Rocksteady and more. All performers sang traditional Italian music. Photo Pamela Rozon

Peter Deluca, of the family-owned business Vincent’s Meat Market, says the rain at first felt discouraging. “Kind of kicks you in the butt when you do all this work just for you to stand there and be soaking wet. The smoke definitely doesn’t help either. But it’s starting to pick up so I hope for the best.” Thankfully, after a few moments the rain cleared, unleashing a massive boom in attendance at the event. Photo Pamela Rozon