As if 2020 couldn’t get any worse, the Village’s annual Festa Italiana will be postponed till 2021, reports NJ.com. This marks the first time in the festival’s 117-year history that it will be rescheduled. A note on the festival’s Facebook page explains the reason why it’s being postponed. (Spoiler: coronavirus).
“Dear Friends of La Festa,
We have good news and bad news. The bad news first; Due to the unprecedented circumstances surrounding the current pandemic and out of concern for the safety and well-being of our volunteers, visitors, vendors, entertainers, etc… we have, with deep regret, made the difficult decision to cancel La Festa Italiana this year. This decision was made after much discussion, deliberation, prayer and consultation with the City of Jersey City. Now for the good news; We are people of faith and hope. The greatest miracle in our Christian world is the resurrection of our Risen Lord, therefore, we hope and believe, that as a community we will rise again to return with full force in 2021 to continue our traditions and celebrate through La Festa Italiana the life of our community. Mark your calendars — the dates for La Festa Italiana 2021 are August 11-15. Don’t allow your hope for better days to die out, have your spirit erect and look forward to a brighter future.”
Located on Sixth Street between Brunswick and Monmouth, the festival began in 1902 as a street fair in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Rocco. The 5-night food and music fest is also known for its old-school Italian eats, which includes Italian sausages, fried rice balls, and zeppoles.
Yoga Fest and JC Pride also cancelled
In addition to La Festa Italiana, what would’ve been the 3rd annual Yoga Fest has also been cancelled for this month. Likewise, the Jersey City LGBTQ+ Pride Festival has been cancelled for August. Meanwhile, the Jersey City Jazz Festival appears to be postponed to a later date possibly in the fall, according to a Facebook post.
These events would be near impossible — not to mention extremely risky — to hold in light of the pandemic. Furthermore, outdoor gatherings in New Jersey are currently limited to 100 people, which further restricts major events.
