The North End section of Boston was one of the early arrival points for Southern Italian and Sicilian immigrants. Many Italian-American families can trace their American roots back to this small warren of narrow streets and alleyways.

These pioneers brought with them local traditions and beliefs, including the festivals they knew from home: after all, being strangers in a strange land, these people could use all the help they could get from their patron saints.
Since 1911, this neighborhood holds a celebration to honor the patron saint of Sciacca, Sicily: the Madonna del Soccorso.

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Source: http://www.lifeinitaly.com