by Tom Robb

A unique Catholic religious festival with centuries of history returns to Niles early next month for the second year. The Maria SS Lauretana of Altavilla Milicia festival comes to Golf Mill Park and Church Street, near Golf Mill Shopping Center, from Friday, Sept. 2 through Monday, Sept. 5. Last year, Niles police estimated the crowd at Saturday's event reached 5,000 people.

The festival includes fireworks, food and music and has secular elements for three of the four days. It is highlighted by several traditional religious observances Sunday, Sept. 4. A large Mass in Golf Mill Park that Sunday morning will be followed by the moving of a shrine to the Virgin Mary, called the Vera, and the "Flight of the Angels." These traditions date back to 1632 in Altavilla Milicia, Sicily, where the Maria SS Lauretana observance began. Secular music includes performances by The Drifters, 7th Heaven, Infinity and A Night of Italian Hits.

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Source: http://www.journal-topics.com/