The Italian festival returned to the City of Newburgh from Thursday, July 17 through Sunday, July 20, drawing residents and visitors alike with food, music and a celebration of community and heritage.

On Sunday, following the noon Mass at Sacred Heart Church — part of the St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish — parishioners took part in a religious procession that has been a tradition for 113 years.

After Mass, parishioners gathered outside the church, where statues of St. Anthony, Jesus Christ and Our Lady of Mount Carmel were carried by volunteers through the streets. The procession was led by altar servers, Father Fernando Hernandez, members of the Knights of Columbus, with American and Italian flags waving in the breeze. Music was provided by the Hudson Valley Professional Musicians.

The route included Route 9W, Washington Street, Mill Street, and Ann Street, ending at the main festival area. The statues were placed before the crowd as Father Hernandez and Deacon Peter Haight led the group in prayer, hymns and the Italian and American national anthems.

Joseph Bilello, who has chaired the event for the past 27 years, said the moment always stirs memories of walking the procession with his grandmother. He recalled the days when the procession would stretch to St. Francis Church on Benkard Avenue, St. Patrick’s on Grand Street, and back along Broadway.

“To me, this is a special event,” Bilello said. “It’s a welcoming place for anyone who stops by. We’re committed to the City of Newburgh — no matter its reputation.”

This year’s festival featured new additions, including a cigar and bourbon area, an expanded restaurant-style dining space, a café section, and multiple vendors offering traditional foods such as fried dough, pizza, meatballs and gelato.

Looking ahead, Bilello hopes to dedicate a larger space to desserts and further expand the footprint of the festival with additional vendors. He’s also encouraged by the increasing involvement of local youth.

“I see myself going another 10 years,” he said. “Then I’ll pass the torch to my nephews and the next generation.”

Throughout Sunday afternoon, festival goers enjoyed live music from Jerry Nicolato and Angela Bruno, sampled a wide array of foods, and mingled with local organizations such as the Knights of Columbus.

Carolina DeGennaro, who helped lead the singing of the Italian anthem, reflected on her family’s deep ties to the celebration. “My father started with this, and now my son and grandchildren are involved,” she said. “It brings the community together.”

Festival volunteer Mark Gamma, who ran the bourbon station, is a second-generation Newburgh resident who attended St. Francis Parish and School. He said the spirit of the event is one of unity.

“It’s great to see different people, different ethnicities and cultures come together to enjoy the day — with food, drinks, music,” Gamma said.

Father Hernandez called the event a “beautiful testament of God’s presence” in the community, especially blessed with three days of clear weather.

Al Favata noted that many Italian families have supported the feast for decades. Though he acknowledged getting older, he said he hopes the celebration never ends.

Nicholas DeGennaro, who now plays a key role in organizing the event once managed by his father, said the festival remains a vital part of the community despite the rise of the digital age.

“Every time I come here, I know I’m going to have a good time,” DeGennaro said. “Whether it’s working, seeing volunteers or just being around everyone — I’ll keep coming back as long as people are having a good time.”

As the final day of the festival continued, visitors kept lining up for food, enjoying the music and soaking in the warmth — both from the summer sun and the celebration around them.