St. Mary of Carmen Society starts 89th Annual Italian-American Festival [Photos]

The St. Mary of Carmen Society is holding its 89th Annual Italian-American Festival in Pellegrini Park this week—through Sunday—and the carnival has attracted scores of families eager to get out and soak in the summer night air while it lasts.

More than 10,000 people attend the event each year, according to the Society’s website.

There’s something about combining live music, the smell of delicious greasy food and the glow of bright lights through the hazy July air that will bring a community together in Nonantum.

The festival started on Wednesday and runs all weekend. You can see a schedule of bands and other festival events here.

The St. Mary of Carmen Society has been helping local families and organizations in need since 1935, and the organization hosts events throughout the year to raise money to keep helping those in need.

Below are some photos from the Carnival. And make sure to get there yourself if you can.

Left to right: Joey Caruso, Joseph Caruso and Dino DeGisi greet the community at the St. Mary of Carmen Society’s annual Italian-American Festival on July 18, 2024. Photo by Bryan McGonigle
The Breeze performs at the St. Mary of Carmen Society’s annual Italian-American Festival on July 18, 2024. Photo by Bryan McGonigle
Guests at the St. Mary of Carmen Society’s Carnival ride “The Warrior,” flying through the air in Nonantum on July 18, 2024. Photo by Bryan McGonigle
The St. Mary of Carmen Society’s annual Italian-American Festival includes a carnival with all the fixings. Photo by Bryan McGonigle
The St. Mary of Carmen Society’s 89th Annual Italian-American Festival includes a mechanical bull. Photo by Bryan McGonigle