The pandemic in 2020 reduced Westbury’s annual Feast of the Assumption to the traditional Mass at St. Brigid Church and a short procession. The 111th edition, held Aug. 13-15 at Dell’Assunta Society parking lot, was a return to the festivities of the past. It was sponsored and organized by Maria SS. Dell’Assunta Society of Westbury
“The feast was scaled down compared to pre-2020, but more than last year,” said Society member and photographer Michael Lettera. “We had good attendance at Mass and feast evenings.”
In addition to honoring the Blessed Mother, the feast delivered Italian food, rides, a casino and an auction. According to its website, “This benevolent society was originally founded in 1911 by Italian immigrants from Durazzano, Naples, Nola and Saviano. The founding members wanted to preserve both their Italian cultural heritage and Catholic religious traditions. For over a century the Dell’Assunta Society has proudly honored the Blessed Mother and contributed to many charitable causes in both the Roman Catholic Church and in our local community.”
The Society’s headquarters on Maple Avenue in Westbury. The feast was held in the parking lot behind the building. (Screenshot)
St. Brigid Catholic Church Pastor Anthony Stanganelli celebrates the Mass to mark the Feast of the Assumption. (Photos courtesy of Michael Lettera)
Pastor Anthony Stanganelli greets Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.
Standing outside the church after the Mass are, from left: Maria SS Dell’Assunta Society First Vice President Domenico Buffolino, Westbury Mayor Peter Cavallaro, County Executive Laura Curran, Westbury Trustee Steven Corte, County Legislator Laura Schaefer, Trustee William Wise, Village Justice Thomas Liotti and Dell’Assunta Society President Glen Ullo.
The Society has been successful in attracting younger members.
The procession makes its way up Post Avenue.
Many generations of Westbury-area residents have contributed to the enduring legacy of the Dell’Assunta Society.
Society members gather before the procession.
Participants watch as Society members place the statue of the Blessed Mother.
Musical performers and deejay Pasquale Cioffi kept the crowds entertained.
Great Italian food has been a highlight of the feast ever since it began in 1911.
The Buffolino family has had a long association with the feast.
An auction and raffles helped to benefit the Society, which aids charitable causes in Westbury and elsewhere.
Having fun at the feast.
It takes a lot of people and support and organizing to put the annual feast together.
