For some people the La Festa Italiana in Jersey City is like a trip back in time. For Frank Colasurdo, it was part of his childhood. “I must have been 5 or 6 and this tall,” he said, holding his hand about three feet off the ground. The festival runs from Aug. 14 to 18, on Sixth Street between Brunswick and Monmouth streets, from 5 to 11 p. m. It started in 1902 as an Italian celebration. But over the years it’s evolved to reflect the changing population in the area.

In the past, Colasurdo was one of a number of family members who maintain a booth near the middle of the two-block feast. His booth stood out because it is filled with historic photographs, many depicting the history of the feast. “Some go back to Italy,” Colasurdo said. The pictures also illustrate a history of the Colasurdo family. Many members are still involved with the feast, occupying a number of booths.