Join us as we journey through the vibrant world of Italian-American feast traditions, focusing on the rich history and cultural significance of the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This episode spotlights the oldest celebration of the feast in the United States, held in Hamilton, New Jersey. Andy Ponzarello shares captivating stories about the Italian immigrant experience and how these traditions endured through hardships like the World Wars. We delve into the origins of the Carmelite Order and the importance of July 16th—the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Southern Italian culture. Explore the evolution of Marian imagery, from Greek Byzantine influences to depictions in the Carmelite habit, and the widespread devotion to the brown scapular. Through historical context and personal anecdotes, we show how these devotions became a powerful unifying force for Southern Italians, both in their homeland and in immigrant communities across America. Discover the unique customs and modern revitalizations that keep these feasts alive—from candlelit processions to innovations like drone shows. We examine how these events continue to draw crowds and maintain cultural vibrancy through strategic outreach and strong community involvement. Through heartfelt stories and historical insight, we celebrate the enduring legacy of Italian American feast traditions and the deep emotional bonds they continue to foster across generations.   HIS SOCIALS Facebook: The Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society, Hammonton, NJ FEAST   WEBSITE: Website: https://www.mountcarmelsociety.org/

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IAP 375: Celebrating the 150th Annual Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Hamilton, New Jersey!

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