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Feast of Santa Rosalia kicks off

August 24, 2012 Denise Romano

In Bensonhurst, 18th Avenue is preparing for the 11-day-long Feast of Santa Rosalia.

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Forza Italia!

After a one year hiatus, the Feast of Santa Rosalia is back. From Thursday, August 24 to Monday, September 3, 18^th Avenue between Bay Ridge Parkway and 67^th Street will be filled with food, music and Italian pride.

Councilmember Vincent Gentile, who was upset that the Feast did not take place last year, expressed his happiness. A summer without the 18^th Avenue Feast is like a summer without sunshine, he told this paper. I was thrilled to work with the organizers to help bring back this decades-old tradition. The Festa di Santa Rosalia the great Italian-American cultural festival lives on!

Merchants along the avenue also welcomed the news.

I am definitely happy its back. Its something that is very much needed in this neighborhood, said Emanuele Alaimo Jr., co-owner of Villabate Bakery, adding that he will be selling most of his daily items during the feast, but spruced up, including different marzipan fruits, pan pizzas, rice balls and special pastries.

Its something for the neighborhood to keep it alive, Alaimo added.

Co-owner of Zio Ninos Pizzeria, who is known simply as Zio Nino, said, I am happy its back. It brings more people here.

Giuseppe Maffei, manager at Ginos Focacceria, had mixed feelings. Its 11 days straight. Its going to kill me, he said. But the money is good, so I cant complain. Its a lot of work, a lot of hours [to put in].

But those living near the festival did not have such kind words.

I am not happyit brings too many people, said Bensonhurst native, Nick.

Bensonhurst resident Sky Listingi said, I like the feast, I just dont like that its so dirty.

The Sanitation Department does not clean up until after its over, she explained. The trash sits on the sidewalk for over a week. Other than that, its a fun thing to do with the kids.