La Festa Italiana, Jersey City’s oldest Italian festival, has been canceled for the first time in its more than 117-year history. “Due to the unprecedented circumstances surrounding the current pandemic and out of concern for the safety and well-being of our volunteers, visitors, vendors, entertainers, etc… we have, with deep regret, made the difficult decision to cancel La Festa Italiana this year,” Nicholas Grillo, one of the organizers, said, referring to himself as “heartbroken.” 

“This decision was made after much discussion, deliberation, prayer and consultation with the City of Jersey City.” La Festa Italiana traditionally runs for a week in August in front The Holy Rosary Church on Sixth Street in Historic Downtown Jersey City.