The great Italian community of New Jersey, and in particular the Apulian overseas departed from Molfetta with a suitcase full of hopes, is prepared to celebrate a goal that has the flavor of eternity: one hundred years of history, tradition and identity, guarded and handed down thanks to the devotion to the Madonna dei Martiri and the iconic Hoboken Italian Festival. A century of Italy lived in the States, a century of sacrifice, nostalgia, pride.
The annual Gala, which this year brought together over 300 people between American institutions, Italian-American communities and descendants of the first Molfettesi families emigrated, was a collective embrace between past and future. To represent Molfetta were present Roberto Pansini, International Ambassador SMDM/HIF, and Pasquale Minuto, manager of the “God Lo Want Band”.
In the prestigious frame of Macaluso’s, the Gala shined like a scene of the Great Gatsby: sparkling dresses, atmospheres of old times, an elegance that seemed to pay homage to those, a hundred years ago, left everything to start again elsewhere. An evening that has combined style, emotion and a deep sense of belonging.
During the evening, institutional representatives and the Madonna dei Martiri Society took part, which has officialized the new Presidents, the same devotion:
• Lenny De Pinto for the Society Madonna dei Martiri, flanked by Vice-President Nick Latino • Gennaro Cappelluti, President of the Hoboken Italian Festival, with Paolo De Sario as Vice President
Words, looks and applauses have told what no document can ever contain: the pride of the roots, the strength of faith, the value of the family, the tradition that passes through generations. It is the first Molfette community that emigrated to reach such an extraordinary milestone.
The Presidents have received from Rome a certificate of merit for the valorization of the “Made in Italy in the USA” and a gold record “unique edition” dedicated to the 100 years, signed by God Lo Want Band, which will return on stage in September for the great event.
And then, as in every festival, the surprise came: a monumental cake made by Buddy Valastro, the most famous Cake Boss in America, proudly linked to its Italian roots. When the soundtrack chosen for the cut of the cake was the song written by the “God Lo Want Band” for the 100 years of the Hoboken Italian Festival – an idea of Roberto Pansini – the emotion crossed the hall as a thrill.
The Gala is only the beginning. In September the heart returns to beat strong, everything will begin with the Novena for Our Lady of Martyrs in the Church of St. Francis in Hoboken. Then, from September 10th to 13th, all on the waterfront, where you can admire the Skyline of New York with the majestic Manhattan skyscrapers, I add them everywhere of the Italian tricolor, the green, white and red: four days of celebration, faith and memory. The procession, on Saturday 12 September, will cross the streets of Hoboken by writing a new page of history, while from Puglia institutions and devotees will arrive. The organizational machine in Hoboken is ready to give unforgettable surprises, a value that passes through time.
The Hoboken Italian Festival the feast of Madonna dei Martiri contains a message that does not age: the sacrifice of those who left their land to build a new life, contributing to the growth of the United States without ever forgetting their origins. It is a bridge between two worlds, an act of love that has lasted for a hundred years.
Save the date: September 10–13, 2026, Hoboken is waiting for you to celebrate a century of history, faith and identity. To be updated and have more information visit the website: www.hobokenitalianfestival.com
L’articolo A century of Italians in Hoboken: the community of Molfetta celebrates the 100th anniversary of its festival proviene da IlNewyorkese.