CLEVELAND — Editor's note: Video in the player at the top of this story features footage from the 2019 Feast of the Assumption in Little Italy.
After it was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Feast of the Assumption is making its return to Little Italy in Cleveland this Thursday through Sunday.
"For more than 120 years, Holy Rosary Parish’s Feast of the Assumption celebration has been a time for families to come together to honor and commemorate their rich cultural heritage," Mayor Frank Jackson previously said in a statement. "This year, we look forward to joining the Little Italy community and our Italian-American residents in celebration of this long-standing tradition."
The festival begins with a solemn Mass before a statue of the Virgin Mary is carried in a procession throughout the neighborhood that surrounds the church. The four-day event also features various Italian foods, desserts, live music and rides.
“The Rosary is prayed daily at 6 p.m. at the shrine to Our Lady of the Assumption, located on the east side of the church and a religious articles booth is located near the shrine,” according to the Holy Rosary’s site. “On the final evening of the Feast, a candlelight procession is held to honor Mary. A short prayer service concludes our tribute to God for all the good He has done through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. The Feast is a celebration of the Gospel of Life, Faith and Family.”
Churchyard stands, food, rides and games will be open as follows throughout the four-day Feast of the Assumption:
- Thursday, Aug. 12: 6- 11 p.m.
- Friday, Aug.13: 6 p.m. – midnight.
- Saturday, Aug. 14: Noon – midnight.
- Sunday, Aug. 15: Noon – 11 p.m.
CLICK HERE to see the full schedule of events.