KULPMONT - Members of the Kulpmont community are preparing to continue a religious tradition with the return of the San Marziale Parade.
The parade, which returned to the streets last year after a 12-year absence, will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 8, at Holy Angels Church, 855 Scott St. The parade is being revived by Landscape Services, Bressi Family Foods, the Holy Name Society of Holy Angels Church, the church, the Kulpmont Knights of Columbus and other dedicated individuals.
Tom Letcavage of Landscape Services and Christopher Bressi of Bressi Family Foods believe the interest level and participation will be even higher this year than last.
"We had people from as far away as Canada in attendance last year. It was amazing. Also, the post-parade get-together was top notch as well," Bressi said. "It was wonderful to see the organizations, the church and countless local citizens come together."
During the parade, onlookers can pin money onto the statue, which will then be donated to Holy Angels Church. For those who participate and march, there will be food and refreshments available at the Holy Angels picnic grounds. Those who wish to walk in the procession are asked to meet at the church at 12:30 p.m.
Marziale is the patron saint of Isca sullo Ionio, a small town in southern Italy, which was the birthplace of many Italian immigrants who came to America, eventually settling in the coal region for a better life.
According to legend, St. Marziale was the youngest of seven sons - known as the seven martyrs - of Saint Felicitas and is venerated as the patron saint of Isca sullo Ionio in Calabria, Italy, and Torricella Peligna in Abruzzo region of Italy. His feast day is July 10.