Members of the Italian-American community in Ridgewood held their annual Good Friday procession on the evening of April 18, continuing a decades-long tradition that brings together religious and cultural groups from across the borough.
The procession began at 7 p.m. at the corner of Forest Avenue and Palmetto Street, outside the headquarters of the Associazione Concordia Partanna, located at 66-23 Forest Ave. Participants walked through the neighborhood toward Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church, honoring the solemn observance of Good Friday with prayers and hymns along the route.
The event was organized by the Associazione Cattolica Miraculous Medal in collaboration with La Concordia Partanna and the Associazione Maria SS. Del Balzo di Bisacquino—three cultural and religious organizations representing Sicilian-American heritage in New York City.
“This is not a party,” said Anthony Mule, chairman of the event. “It’s a day to remember Good Friday and make sure the Italian and American community comes together in Ridgewood for a religious purpose.”
According to Mule, the procession has been held annually for more than 25 years and is one of the most important religious and cultural events for the Italian-American community in the neighborhood. In previous years, the procession route began in different parts of Queens and Brooklyn before becoming rooted in Ridgewood.
On Friday, participants carried religious banners and statues, accompanied by music and recitations. A second club joined the event after marching from another location to converge at the starting point, continuing the joint tradition of collaboration among different Italian-American associations.
The Ridgewood-based event is one of several local Good Friday processions held across the city, continuing a practice with deep roots in Catholic tradition and Southern Italian culture.
