One hundred years of history, one hundred years of faith, one hundred years of community. From 10 to 13 September 2026 the biggest Italian event in New Jersey takes place: the Hoboken Italian Festival – The Feast of Madonna dei Martiri, the celebration that for a century has guarded the identity of the molfettesi in America.
This year everything is concentrated on Pier A, transformed into a small corner of Puglia overlooking the skyline of New York. Stand of exhibitors, perfumes of good food, attractions for the little ones, a great stage where international artists and so much Italian music will perform. In the centre, a small chapel welcomes the statue of Our Lady of Martyrs, the one that usually rests in the MDM club: it is the heart of the feast, the point where devotion meets memory.
Under the great tent dedicated to catering, the community finds itself, embraces and recognizes itself. Around, the city never sleeps silently. For the occasion also comes a special edition of Il Newyorkese, the most read Italian newspaper in the USA, along with the 100-year celebratory medals: symbols of a milestone that belongs to everyone.
Roberto Pansini
Today, religious institutions, political representatives and many families are traveling to Hoboken. They depart from Molfetta to be present at this unique event, to say “we are there”, to testify that the bond with the immigrant community has never broken.
For the molfettesi of North America, seeing institutions crossing the ocean is a gesture that moves: it is proof that the land of origin continues to walk next to its children, even when life brought them away.
In Hoboken, these days, the Italian tricolor winds up next to Manhattan skyscrapers. Here there is a memory that has never faded: traditions, values, devotion. Everything that the first emigrants carried in their suitcase a hundred years ago became a living heritage, handed down proudly from generation to generation.
We of the Oll Muvi Association, with the brand I Love Molfetta, know well: being here is a privilege and a responsibility. For years Roberto Pansini has been carrying out promotion missions, reunification and representation, building trust, relationships and bridges. A bridge that for a century combines Puglia and America, past and future, memory and identity.
The invitation is to follow us: Tuesday Buddy Valastro will arrive, the famous “Boss delle Torte”. Saturday 12 will be the highlight day: the procession of Our Lady of Martyrs on the streets of Hoboken, the navigation on the Hudson River, the events on the Pier A and the suggestive Drone Show, at 9 pm, which will illuminate the skyscrapers of New York. Sunday morning, the Holy Mass will be celebrated outdoors, once again on Pier A, in front of a community that never stopped believing.
L’articolo The <i>Hoboken Italian Festival</i> proviene da IlNewyorkese.
