This Wooster Square Italian Feast post was originally published earlier on our sister site I Love New Haven
This year’s Feast of Saint Andrew marks the 123rd Italian Celebration in New Haven’s Historic Wooster Square. Notably, this long-standing tradition began in 1900, initiated by the newly formed (and still going!) St. Andrew the Apostle Society. This society was founded by a group of Italian immigrants from the Amalfi Coast who had settled in Wooster Square during a time when Italian Americans faced tough anti-Italian sentiment nationwide.
Since its inception, the Saint Andrew the Apostle Society has maintained exceptionally close ties with Amalfi, thus creating a profound “sister city” connection. Consequently, this strong bond has fostered vibrant annual exchanges encompassing students, cultural engagements, and sports activities alike.
Interestingly, New Haven’s Feast coincides precisely with Amalfi’s Feast of Saint Andrew each year. To elaborate, the origin of Amalfi’s tradition traces back to June 27, 1544, when the Turkish fleet’s invasion attempt was miraculously thwarted by St. Andrew.
The feast will run all weekend until Sunday June 25th.
I Love New Haven’s newest contributing photographer, TeQoa Griffith, and I. combined forces to create this post.
For a continuation of more photos please consider following I Love New Haven on Instagram: @ilovenewhaven and I Love New Haven on Facebook