The Ultimate Guide To St. Rocco Feast 2025: Dates, Locations, And 5 Sacred Traditions You Can't Miss
The St. Rocco Feast 2025 calendar is officially set, confirming a summer of vibrant Italian-American heritage, deep religious devotion, and unforgettable street food across the United States. As of today, December 25, 2025, specific dates for major celebrations in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts have been announced, allowing devotees and festival enthusiasts to plan their pilgrimage to honor San Rocco, the revered 14th-century patron saint of the sick and wrongly accused.
This year’s celebrations promise to be bigger than ever, with events like the famed "Best Feast in the East" in Glen Cove, NY, and the historic 96th Annual Saint Rocco Feast in Fort Lee, NJ, leading the charge. Whether you are seeking a powerful religious procession, authentic Italian cuisine, or thrilling carnival rides, the Feast of St. Rocco is a quintessential summer experience that connects communities to their rich cultural and spiritual roots.
St. Rocco: Biography of the Patron Saint and His Enduring Legacy
The Feast of St. Rocco (or San Rocco in Italian) is a celebration rooted in the life of a remarkable 14th-century French nobleman, Rocco (Rock) of Montpellier, whose story of faith and charity has resonated for centuries. The tradition is typically celebrated annually on August 16th, the date of the saint's death in 1378.
- Full Name: Roch of Montpellier (San Rocco, Saint Rock, Rochus)
- Born: c. 1295 in Montpellier, France
- Died: August 16, 1378, in Voghera, Italy
- Patron Saint Of: Infectious diseases (especially the plague), dogs, bachelors, and the wrongly accused.
- Key Life Events: After his parents died, he gave away his wealth and became a mendicant pilgrim, traveling to Rome. He dedicated his life to caring for plague victims throughout Italy, miraculously healing many through his prayers and religious acts.
- Iconography: St. Rocco is often depicted pointing to a plague sore on his leg, accompanied by a dog. The dog is said to have brought him bread while he was isolated in a forest, sick with the plague.
- Legacy: His veneration spread rapidly during the Black Death, and Italian immigrants brought the tradition of the feast to America, where it continues as a major cultural and religious event.
The St. Rocco Feast 2025 Official Calendar and Locations
The 2025 St. Rocco Feast schedule is packed with multi-day carnivals and single-day religious observances. Here are the confirmed dates and essential details for the most anticipated Italian-American feasts.
Glen Cove, New York: "The Best Feast in the East"
The Feast of St. Rocco in Glen Cove, Long Island, is arguably the most famous celebration on the East Coast, renowned for its massive crowds, thrilling rides, and exceptional cuisine.
- Dates: Thursday, July 24th through Sunday, July 27th, 2025.
- Location: St. Rocco's Church grounds, Third Street and St. Rocco Place, Glen Cove, NY.
- Highlights: Four days of carnival rides by Newton Shows, games, live entertainment, and the highly anticipated Sunday religious procession.
- Feast Hours: Typically 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday, 3 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 2 to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Fort Lee, New Jersey: 96th Annual Celebration
The Saint Rocco Feast in Fort Lee is a cherished, five-night tradition celebrating its 96th year. It is a cornerstone of Italian heritage in New Jersey, organized by the St. Rocco's Society since 1929.
- Dates: Early to Mid-August 2025 (Confirmed dates include August 6th and August 8th, indicating a multi-day event, likely running for five nights around the second week of August).
- Location: 110 Main St, Fort Lee, NJ.
- Highlights: Five nights of authentic Italian food, a powerful religious procession, live music, carnival rides, and games for all ages.
Boston, Massachusetts (North End) and Malden, MA
The Boston area, with its deep Italian roots, hosts multiple celebrations, including the historic 104th Feast of San Rocco in the North End.
- Boston (North End): The 104th Feast of San Rocco will take place on Sunday, July 20, 2025, with festivities beginning and ending at St. Leonard's Church. A Mass is also scheduled for July 17, 2025.
- Malden, MA: St. Rocco's Feast is scheduled to begin on Friday, August 8th, 2025, on Pearl and Thacher Streets, featuring a Beer and Wine Garden, raffle, food, and live entertainment.
Oyster Bay, New York: Italian American Citizens Club Festival
Held earlier in the summer, the Oyster Bay festival is a key event for Long Island's Italian-American community.
- Dates: Thursday, July 10th, through Sunday, July 13th, 2025.
- Location: Firemen's Field, Shore Avenue & West End Avenue, Oyster Bay, NY.
- Highlights: A four-day festival featuring carnival rides, games, a beer garden, and delicious food, presented by the Oyster Bay Italian American Citizens Club.
5 Sacred and Cultural Traditions That Define the Feast
More than just a carnival, the Feast of St. Rocco is a profound cultural and religious experience. Understanding the key traditions allows visitors to fully appreciate the depth of the celebration.
1. The Barefoot Procession (Penance)
The religious procession is the spiritual heart of the feast. In many locations, including Glen Cove, NY, some parishioners choose to walk barefoot alongside the statue of St. Rocco as a form of penance or to fulfill a vow made for a prayer answered. This powerful act of devotion honors the saint who traveled as a mendicant pilgrim.
2. The Adorned Statue and Basil
The statue of San Rocco is the centerpiece of the procession. In some traditions, the statue is adorned with basil, a symbol of love and devotion in Italian culture. The statue’s cape is often a separate, treasured item, kept in a vault for safekeeping when not in use.
3. The 'U Cinte' Ritual
A unique tradition in some communities, 'U Cinte' is a ceremonial structure topped with a small statue of the saint. It is pulled by young members of the St. Rocco Society, symbolizing the passing of the tradition to the next generation. The young members aspire to one day carry the main, much heavier statue in the procession.
4. The Authentic Italian Feast
The term "feast" is literal. These festivals are famous for offering a vast array of authentic Italian-American food that goes far beyond standard carnival fare. Attendees can expect to find classics such as eggplant parmigiana, meatball subs, sausage and peppers, zeppole, and other Italian delicacies. The food stands are often run by local church groups or cultural organizations, with proceeds supporting the church or society. [cite: 13 (from first search), 20 (from second search)]
5. Dedication and Offerings
Throughout the feast, devotees make monetary offerings, sometimes pinning money directly onto the saint's robes during the procession as a sign of respect and gratitude for blessings received. This tradition of giving back is central to the nonprofit mission of the St. Rocco Societies, whose profits often fund community and religious initiatives.
Planning Your Visit to a 2025 St. Rocco Celebration
The Feast of St. Rocco is an ideal family event, combining spirituality, culture, and pure fun. To make the most of your visit, consider these tips:
- Check Local Schedules: While the dates above are confirmed, always check the official websites for the St. Rocco Society of Fort Lee or the Church of St. Rocco in Glen Cove for the exact Mass times, procession start times, and live entertainment lineups closer to the event.
- Arrive Early for the Procession: The religious procession is a moving and often crowded event. Arriving early ensures a good viewing spot to witness the full display of devotion and cultural pride.
- Parking: In urban locations like Fort Lee and the North End of Boston, parking can be extremely limited. Consider using public transportation or arriving well in advance. Glen Cove typically provides parking information around the streets of the feast. [cite: 4 (from first search)]
- Support Local: Remember that these feasts are often the primary fundraiser for the hosting church or Italian American Citizens Club, making every purchase of a meatball sub or a ride ticket a direct contribution to preserving Italian heritage and community services.
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