Neighbors, friends and families came together for carnival rides, music, food, and Italian heritage from June 24 to 28 for the annual St. Anthony’s Feast at Our Lady of Hope in Westbury. Held by the Durazzano Society, the festival celebrated its 89th year of celebration and delighted attendees with a vast selection of foods, drinks and games for kids and adults.
As the ladies of the organization served up home cooked meals to those who truly wanted to feast, there were also Polish sausage sandwiches, gyros and empanadas available, making the fair quite unique. Kids ran through the carnival, going on rides and enjoying games with their friends, while parents enjoyed the popular spin wheel. Many of the organization’s members conversed with attendees and took photos. Community was a prevalent feeling and tradition of the annual festival and there was unity in the diversity.
“We hold this every year for the community,” said Domenic Abbatiello, vice chairman of the Durazzano Society. “Westbury is so diverse. Over the past few years, we’ve put more focus on that in the food.”
Abbatiello, along with 70 men and 30 women make up the organization’s membership. Abbatiello stated the group was formed to unite religion and the community, as well as give back to those in the local neighborhood. Money made from the feast each year goes to the church, various missionaries and the community of Westbury.
“The Durazzano Society formed in 1929,” Abbatiello said regarding the organization’s history. “Initially, we formed because there were 1,000 people living in Westbury who came from our region in Italy. Now, we accept all members of Italian descent.”
Originally, the St. Anthony’s Feast was held on the weekend of the 4th of July, however, Abbatiello and other members felt the dates were always busy for people, so for the past 15 years the festival has been held on the last weekend in June.
(Photos by Christa Speranza)
Many of the attendees remained near the food tables, eating and exchanging friendly conversation. Some couldn’t help but notice there was a difference in this year’s and passed festivals. One couple said it was downscaled comparatively to other years, while also reflecting on the great St. Anthony’s Feasts in previous years. The turnout was relatively smaller on the opening nights, but Abbatiello stated that the busiest nights every year are Friday and Saturday. While not much has changed, as the main focus of the event is unity in the community, Abbatiello said the parade and fireworks are the grand finale and most popular part of the festival.
The Durazzano Society meets at 412 Maple Ave. and welcomes all new members of Italian descent and heritage.
