Celebrating 75 Years of Tradition: Kenosha's Mount Carmel Festival Honors Its Italian Heritage

Nestled in the heart of Kenosha, Wisconsin, the Columbus Park neighborhood was once a thriving hub of Italian culture, known affectionately as "Little Italy." This weekend, the community comes together to celebrate the 75th Diamond Jubilee of the Mount Carmel Festival, a cherished tradition that has stood the test of time, preserving the rich culinary and cultural legacy of the region's Italian roots.

Savoring the Flavors of Kenosha's Italian Heritage

The Mount Carmel Festival is a three-day celebration that draws crowds from near and far, all eager to indulge in the authentic, homemade delicacies that have become synonymous with the event. From the mouthwatering spaghetti dinners to the irresistible fried dough and fresh-baked Italian cookies, the festival is a veritable feast for the senses.

A Culinary Treasure Trove

Kenosha native Rocco LaMacchia raves about the festival's culinary offerings, declaring, "They have the best pizza here. The best Italian sausage here. And even the eggrolls are to die for, and they're not even Italian!" The Ladies Society of Mount Carmel has been the driving force behind the festival's culinary prowess, meticulously crafting over 300 gallons of sauce and nearly 1,300 pounds of pasta to satisfy the insatiable appetites of the attendees.

Homemade Delights

The festival's signature homemade Taralli and Genetti are always a hit, with Kenosha native Claudia Presta, who has been volunteering at the event since childhood, noting that "Saturday, they'll be gone." The dedication and passion of the volunteers, who have been honing their craft for decades, are what truly make the festival's culinary offerings stand out.

A Community Effort

While Tom Rizzo, the longtime chairman of the Mount Carmel Festival, is the driving force behind the event, he is quick to acknowledge that it has been a true team effort to keep the tradition alive for 75 years. "We are very blessed here at Mount Carmel," Rizzo says. "We have outstanding volunteers and without them this would not happen."

Preserving the Italian Spirit

The Mount Carmel Festival is not just about the food; it's a celebration of the rich cultural heritage that has defined the Columbus Park neighborhood for generations. As Rizzo reminisces, "It was all Italians that lived in this neighborhood. I could probably go down each one of these homes and tell you which family lived in it." The festival serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Italian community, keeping the traditions alive and passing them down to future generations.

A Vibrant Celebration

In addition to the mouthwatering culinary delights, the Mount Carmel Festival also features a vibrant lineup of live music and games, creating a lively and festive atmosphere that draws in visitors from near and far. The event is a true celebration of the community's rich heritage, a testament to the power of tradition and the enduring spirit of the Italian-American experience.As the 75th Diamond Jubilee of the Mount Carmel Festival unfolds, the people of Kenosha and beyond come together to honor the past, savor the present, and look forward to a future where the flavors and traditions of Little Italy continue to thrive, connecting generations and bringing the community closer together.