Home Events + NewsEvents La Festa Italiana in Jersey City is Happening All Weekend {In Case You Missed St. Ann’s}

La Festa Italiana in Jersey City is Happening All Weekend {In Case You Missed St. Ann’s}

by Jen Gonzalez
Attain Medspa
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If you missed the Hoboken St. Ann’s Festival in late July, fear not: The 114th Annual La Festa Italiana is currently taking place in downtown Jersey City’s Village area outside of Holy Rosary Church. It’s located on 6th street between Monmouth and Brunswick Streets until Sunday, August 13th. The party is from 5PM – 11PM during the week and 3PM – 11PM on Saturday and Sunday. This popular festival celebrates the Italian heritage of Jersey City while fundraising for Holy Rosary Church, the oldest Roman Catholic church in Jersey City, which has been impressively preserved in outstanding condition thanks to the proceeds from the festival.

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Traditionally known for its definitely offerings of zeppole, Italian rice balls, cheese steak, sausage, gelato and meatballs, we were excited to learn that Nick Grillo {the festival’s co-chair} has curated the vegan food truck, VegBar this year for the festival! You may be familiar with VegBar from Hoboken’s own farmers market. Their menu offers vegan street fair options that won’t have you feeling left out from the festivities. Menu items include vegan empanadas {Colombian, Jamaican, and pizza}, veggie burger, vegan gyros, smoothies, shakes, and fresh young coconut. Street festivals — especially Italian ones — are not traditionally known for their vegan options, with the cheese and meats being center stage, so it’s great to have some options.

Snap Fitness JC

Tsujita

White Star Bar is also present serving up adult beverages and tequila- or rosé-infused ice pops, and one of their three stands is serving craft beers and a rosé cider that is deeeelicious. {Insider HG tip: their third tent is behind the church where the true local party is happening. Aside from more drinks, you’ll find Caffe Italiano and a Money Wheel …and an ATM {conveniently located behind the church in case you forget cash}.

Hobbs Inc

^White Star Bar’s Mat Kopec {also owner of Mathews Food and Drink} and part of his team

AXIS School of Dance

^Nick Grillo {Co-chair of the festival}

La Festa Italiana is also kid-friendly — there are rides, a bounce house, rock climbing, games, and a mechanical bull. There’s also plenty of homemade ice cream, freshly-squeezed lemonade, and of course dancing. Different live bands and DJs will be taking the stage each night, and you’ll also find vendors selling toys, popular Jersey City t-shirts, vintage clothing, and Italian souvenirs.

Make sure to partake in the 50/50 raffle, where winners are announced every hour on the stage on 6th Street — half of the winnings benefit the Holy Rosary Church. Btw: One of last night’s winners won $364. NBD. And don’t forget to purchase a raffle to win a brand new 2017 Toyota Camry for just $20. Yup. You can win a car for $20. During the festival, patrons are welcome to offer a $10 donation and dedicate a candle for a loved one inside at the church’s vestibule. English and bilingual masses will be held all weekend in celebration of Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Rocco, the two feast days traditionally venerated by parishioners of the church. You can check the mass schedule here.

Share your pics from the festivities with us on Insta @HobokenGirlBlog or #HobokenGirl!

 

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