I am fortunate to have been raised in the Downtown Section of Jersey City during the 60’s and 70’s. Even though Downtown had a “tainted” reputation at that time, it was the center of Italian heritage in Jersey City. There were other parts of Jersey City with significant Italian populations. However, Downtown was special; it was “The Italian Village.”

The Italian community of Downtown Jersey City mainly belonged to the Holy Rosary Parish; its church is on Sixth Street. Holy Rosary church hosted parades, most notably for La Festa di San Giovanni Battista (June 24), La Madonna del Carmine (July 16), and La Festa di San Rocco (August 16). The Holy Rosary Italian Feast coincided with “La Festa di San Rocco.” At that time, the Holy Rosary feast was truly Italian, and the “zeppole” were outstanding.