The St. Mary of Carmen Society's 91st annual Festa filled Pellegrini Park in Nonantum for five nights this month, drawing several thousand people each evening in what a reporter who's covered the neighborhood for five decades called "record-breaking" and "one for the books."

A festival with something new every night.

Newton Mayor Marc Laredo kicked off opening night, with the Society publicly thanking him for his support restoring the historic Italian flag lines on Adams Street — a project completed earlier this year by Jason Cerone, Anthony Pellegrini, Dan Anderson and Bo Pellegrini in partnership with the city. From there, each night brought its own draw: the Watch City Cadillacs and Dan Fontaine & Memphis Sun Mafia performed Wednesday, Todd Angilly played Friday, and Ward 1 Councilor and Council President John Oliver stopped by Saturday. On the festival's final night, even rain couldn't thin the crowd as state Reps. John Lawn, Amy Sangiolo and Greg Schwartz presented the Society with a $25,000 check.

A tradition that spills into the streets.

The celebration didn't end in the park. Two days later, the Society held its annual procession honoring Our Lady of Mt. Carmel through the streets of Nonantum, carrying the statue of the Madonna back to Our Lady Help of Christians Church as candles glowed and fireworks lit the sky, ending in the tradition known as the Flight of the Angel.

A festival that keeps it in the family — literally.

The Festa remains the Society's primary fundraiser, supporting local charities and scholarships in a neighborhood the group has served since 1935, when it began as a mutual aid organization for Italian immigrant families. Festival chair Charles "Chuck" Proia leads the effort today; his daughter, Arrianna Proia, a fourth-generation Nonantum resident and Ward 1 School Committee member, has revived the St. Mary of Carmen Women's Society, whose members helped prepare the Madonna statue for this year's celebration. Bo Pellegrini, grandson of late community leader Anthony "Fat" Pellegrini, represents the third generation of his family carrying the tradition forward — a festival that's less an event and more a living family tree.

Looking ahead.

The Society has already confirmed it will return for a 92nd Festa in 2027, though dates haven't been set. Residents interested in getting involved can follow along at stmaryofcarmen.org or @StMaryofCarmen on X.