The Feast is a fun-filled Italian street party with rides, food, live music, a parade, and lots of fun.
What is the Assumption?:
From the About.com Guide to Catholicism: In the Roman Catholicism religion, August 15 is the Holy Day of Obligation known as the Feast of the Assumption. The Blessed Mary assumes her place in Heaven with Jesus Christ. The Assumption of Mary has two purposes. The first is that we celebrate the happy departure of Mary from this physical life on Earth. The second purpose is the assumption of her body into Heaven.The Feast of the Assumption Festival:
The four-day Feast of the Assumption is a wonderful mix of religion and secular fun. The entire length of Mayfield Road, between Euclid Avenue and Cleveland Heights is closed off to traffic. In their place are carnival rides, delicious Italian-themed food vendors, arts and crafts booths, and live music stages, playing everything from rock to "It's Amore."In addition, there are fireworks at night and a parade on August 15. Just as everyone is a little Irish on St. Patrick's Day; everyone in Cleveland is a little Italian during the Feast of the Assumption. The event draws over 100,000 visitors each year. Admission is free.The Parade:
The central event of the Feast of the Assumption is the parade on August 15, where the likeness of the Virgin Mary is carried throughout the neighborhood, accompanied by music and costumed marchers, young and not-so-young.Getting to the Feast of the Assumption:
The Feast of the Assumption is located on Mayfield Road, between Euclid Ave. and the border of Cleveland Heights. Parking is available on the side streets bordering the festival or you can take RTA's red line to the University Circle stop, about a mile away.Contact Information:
The Feast of the Assumption is sponsored by the Holy Rosary Catholic Parish12021 Mayfield Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44106
216 421-2995
(updated 6-13-08)
