As the summer days grow shorter in North Denver, the annual St. Rocco’s Italian Festival marks a beloved tradition that brings the community together in celebration, and this year was no different. For over a century, the Feast of St. Rocco has been a cherished event, signaling the end of summer and the approach of winter, grazie a Dio (thank God). This year, the Denver Sister Cities International Potenza Committee was honored to participate, sharing the rich history of our sister city relationship with Potenza, Italy, and fostering connections through the festival’s spirit of community and cultural exchange.
A Festival Steeped in History
The roots of St. Rocco’s Feast in Denver date back to 1892, when it was first hosted by the Jesuits at Regis University. As the Italian community grew, the festival quickly expanded, and in time, the Potenza Lodge, founded by Potentini immigrants, took over the organization of the feast. Today, the festival is held at the Potenza Lodge on 38th Avenue and Shoshone Street, continuing a tradition that has remained a cornerstone of North Denver’s cultural life.
Many Potentini settled in North Denver during the Great Migration, bringing with them the customs and traditions of their homeland. They established la Società Nativi di Potenza in 1899, a mutual aid society designed to support fellow immigrants as they navigated their new lives in America. This sense of community and mutual support has endured, with the Potenza Lodge still serving as a gathering place for Denver’s Italian community.
One of the highlights of the Feast of St. Rocco is the unique bidding procession. Unlike other festivals, where statues are carried by volunteers, St. Rocco’s Feast features a spirited bidding process. Families compete for the honor to carry the statue of St. Rocco through the streets, with all proceeds donated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Italian Catholic Church. This tradition not only honors St. Rocco but also embodies the values of generosity and community spirit.
The Role of Potenza Lodge in the Community
For more than 120 years, the Potenza Lodge has been a pillar of support for North Denver’s Italian community. While the lodge has evolved over the years from its origins as a mutual aid society, its core principles remain unchanged: amore (love), benevolenza (goodwill), and pace (peace). The lodge continues to be a place where Italian culture is celebrated, traditions are preserved, and the community comes together to support one another.
Denver Sister Cities International Potenza Committee: A Bridge to Potenza, Italy
Since 1983, Denver has shared a sister city relationship with Potenza, Italy, a bond that has fostered cultural exchange, friendship, and understanding between the two cities. The Denver Sister Cities International Potenza Committee is dedicated to strengthening this connection, organizing events and initiatives that celebrate our shared heritage and promote cross-cultural dialogue.
At this year’s St. Rocco’s Festival, the Potenza Committee had the pleasure of hosting a booth where festival-goers could learn more about our sister city relationship. We shared information about Potenza’s rich history, culture, and the importance of our ongoing partnership. And, of course, no Italian celebration would be complete without delicious treats—our booth delighted visitors with complimentary cannolis, bringing a taste of Italy to the heart of Denver.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
We are deeply grateful to the Potenza Lodge for including the Denver Sister Cities International Potenza Committee in this year’s St. Rocco’s Festival. The lodge’s commitment to celebrating Italian culture and fostering community aligns perfectly with our mission to promote peace and understanding through people-to-people connections. The festival was a wonderful opportunity to engage with the community, share our love for Potenza, and strengthen the bonds that unite us.
As the festival comes to a close and we look forward to the changing seasons, we carry with us the joy of shared experiences, new friendships, and the enduring spirit of amore, benevolenza, and pace. We eagerly anticipate next year’s celebration and the many opportunities ahead to continue building bridges between Denver and Potenza, Italy.
