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 Feast of the Assumption 2008

Feast of the Assumption in Cleveland's Little Italy
August 2008

Cleveland is blessed with a number of colorful, entertaining and just-plain-fun summer festivals. Various ethnic groups celebrate their traditions and pride by gathering together and inviting all of us to join in.

Welcome to the Feast of the Assumption - Cleveland 2008

It would be hard to find a more popular festival than the annual Feast in Little Italy. The Feast is a four-day event centered around the Feast of the Assumption.

Shrine to Mary at Holy Rosary - Feast of Assumption 2008

The Assumption is a holy day for Catholics and celebrates the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. A procession of the statue of the Blessed Virgin is followed by Mass at Holy Rosary Church on the August 15th feast day.

Shrine to Mary - Holy Rosary - Feast of Assumption

But the Feast also includes great music, great camaraderie and, of course, great food. Mayfield Road is closed to traffic and people fill the streets and enjoy the food and music of the numerous shops and restaurants on Mayfield and Murray Hill in historic Little Italy.

Holy Rosary Church during the Feast of the Assumption

Holy Rosary Church during the Feast of the Assumption

Behind Holy Rosary church you will find carnival games, casino games, rides, music and more great food. There is also a temporary shrine where people can light a candle and place petitions to the Virgin Mary.

Carmelina Vitullo at the Shrine to Mary

Carmelina Vitullo at the Shrine to Mary


Holy Rosary Church - Feast Little Italy

One of the highlights of the Feast takes place on perhaps the main intersection in Little Italy - Mayfield and Murray Hill. Throughout the Feast, a fantastic band of musicians set up in this intersection and play to the delight of the crowd.

Primavera singers

Primavera singers
Donna Gron, Rocky Scaperato and Mary Ann Caponi


The band is called Primavera and consists of accordionist Mike Zaccaro and Tony Ettorre on mandolin and tambourine. Rocky Scaperato is the male vocalist and Mary Ann Caponi and Donna Gron are the female singers.

Primavera's Mike Zaccaro on accordion

Primavera's Mike Zaccaro on accordion

Primavera's Tony Ettorre on tambourine

Primavera's Tony Ettorre on tambourine


In their last performance of the weekend they are joined by a large chorale group, all dressed in colorful authentic costumes.




Watch Tony Ettorre and Mike Zaccaro play the Theme from the Godfather - Speak Softly Love


Besides the obvious talent of the musicians and the catchy tunes they play, Primavera is a fan favorite because it is obvious that they are having fun as they play.

Baby with Italian Flag

A very young fan!

Dancing couple at Feast

Dancing to the music

Homemade Italian Food

Did we mention food?

Italian food at Feast of Assumption - Little Italy Cleveland

Italian food at Feast of Assumption - Little Italy Cleveland

Italian food at Feast of Assumption - Little Italy Cleveland - Octopus Salad

Octopus salad and more

Italian food at Feast of Assumption - Little Italy Cleveland - Holy Rosary Fried Dough

Holy Rosary Fried Dough




Watch Primavera play 'I Have but One Heart' - the song sung by Johnny Fontane in the wedding scene of The Godfather.


Godfather cannoli shirt

Speaking of the Godfather - this t-shirt says
'Leave the gun, take the cannoli'

Made in Italy T-shirt

Jim Fischer, volunteering for Holy Rosary

Rob Fischer, volunteering for Holy Rosary

Couple dancing at the Feast of Assumption

More dancers

Donna Gron of Primavera

Donna Gron of Primavera

Italian band

More music behind Holy Rosary Church




Watch the crowd-pleasing Che le Luna by Primavera


Mike Zaccaro on accordion

Mike Zaccaro on accordion

Tony Ettorre on mandolin

Tony Ettorre on mandolin

On the steps of Holy Rosary Church

On the steps of Holy Rosary Church

Holy Rosary at dusk on th Feast of Assumption

Holy Rosary at dusk

Little Italy Feast of Assumption crowd

The Feast is one of those events that make Cleveland and Northeast Ohio so special.




Watch Mike Zaccaro and Tony Ettorre on this Italian classic




If you've never attended in person, it is well worth your time to visit. See you August 15, 2009!




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