One Big Italian Celebration – The Feast of St. Anthony Festival

This festival comes highly recommended from a friend of IheartPGH (FoIHP) very enthusiastic Pittsburgher – he has been talking about this festival since the last festival.  I think FoIHP is pretty serious about his festivals and I know he has been volunteering his time to make this years festival amazing.

Who is St. Anthony? Saint Anthony of Padua (Italy), lived from 1195-1231. Born in Portugal, he was a Franciscan monk and lived in Morocco before settling in Padua. He was known as an eloquent speaker.  St. Anthony is also the patron saint of lost items (after spending all morning looking for something I had lost – I am happy to celebrate this guy).

The festival runs from Noon- 11pm at 21st and Smallman Streets in the Strip district (some of the streets will be closed for the event)

Festival Highlights:

• delicious Italian foods, music, and dancing all day
• Mass in Italian at 4 PM at St. Stanislaus Church at 21st and Smallman Streets followed immediately by the
• Procession with the Statue of St. Anthony down Penn Avenue returning on Smallman Street.
• Zambelli fireworks
• The Pino Marelli Band will headline the entertainment which will include Jazz Express, the Banda Rossa, and the Spigno Club Dancers
• homemade wine tasting competition judged by Allegheny County judges
• Molly’s Trolleys taking people to St. Anthony’s Chapel on Troy Hill for tours, relic ogling, and candle lightings

Hidden Gem: (I feel like I am writing a tour book but this really is a hidden gem) – St. Anthony’s Chapel on Troy Hill is a must see.  This tiny little chaple has one of the largest collection of religious relics anywhere.  You would have no idea that so many imporant things are in this little church.  Definitly worth a visit if you Anthony’s. If you want to read even more about Troy Hill – check out the book  ” Women of Troy Hill” by Clare Ansberry - I read this a few years ago when it was first published.  Ansberry is a Wall Street Journal reporter who wrote a book about women who live in Troy Hill and it a great look at a Pittsburgh neighborhood.

The feast of St. Anthony also includes a raffle drawing for some great prizes including a brand new scooter, basket of foods imported from Italy and 2 box seats to a Pittsburgh Penguins game in Consol Arena next season. Raffle Tickets are 1 ticket for $5 or 3 Tickets for $10.  You need not be present to win.

Festival Website: www.stanthonypgh.org/