Hoboken Italian Festival Started Thursday, See Schedule Of Live Music, Events

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken's traditional Madonna dei Matiri italian Festival returns this Thursday with four days of live concerts, events, food, and more.

The festival, in its 99th year, runs through Sunday.

The highlight is "Feast Day," Saturday, when organizers carry the 800lb statue of the Madonna Dei Martiri, or Madonna of the Martyrs, through the streets of Hoboken.

There will be live music, giveaways, a beer and wine garden, and a TV truck streaming NFL programs.

Most festival days include at least two concerts, ranging from an Italian tenor performing pop and classical hits to a 12-piece band.

The fireworks scheduled for Saturday have been postponed until Sunday due to the weather.

Music Schedule

Saturday will include four performers.

They are:: tenor Teo Ricciardella at 1 p.m., jazz and cabaret singer Vanessa Racci at 3 p.m., the DioLoVuole Band, sharing their "journey of faith and music," at 5:15, and R3 brothers, billed as "one of the hottest wedding bands in the NY TriState area."

History And More Information

The tradition of the Madonna Dei Martiri festvial goes back to the year 1399, when the King of Napoli, Ladislao di Durazzo, ordered
that a street festival and religious celebration be combined to celebrate the “Miracle” and blessings of the Madonna.

"This celebration is traditionally held on September 8, which is the Universal Feast of the Nativity of Mary," the organizers noted.

The festival kicks off Thursday at 4 p.m.

It runs along the south waterfront, on Sinatra Drive from First to Third Street.

See the full schedule and details here.