2. Blessing of the Stands
The Blessing of the Stands will occur on opening day of the feast, September 12th from 6:00pm until 7:00pm. During this event, Parish Priest Msgr Cassato parades through the festival blessing all of the shops, restaurants, vendors, and merchants so that they may have an enjoyable and successful feast. He goes along the route stretching along Mulberry Street, between Canal and Houston Streets, blessing each stall to bring success and grace. The Blessing of the Stands is meant to kick-start the joyous week to come.