Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church

11.3.24 I got here early enough to find parking in the lot, which is small. Otherwise, street parking. The church is small, and the pews are very close together, and it feels like you're on top of everyone. But at the same time, it was wonderful to have a full church. The music was good, as was the homily. Overall, it's a beautiful church.

July 15, 2023 - The line for fried dough was extremely long as usual winding down the street at this annual occasion. So worth waiting for...the dough is perfect in its texture, flavor and cooking time - which produces a golden brown bottom but stops right at the correct moment for true perfection. The sauce could be a little better for me...tasted like it wasn't made from scratch or lacked seasoning. If you prefer powdered sugar, enjoy.

The fresh clams shucked right in front of you by a volunteer who scoops them out of an ice bath were tender. Lemon, marinara sauce and horseradish are available for toppings. The soffritto sandwich my partner always has to have was better this year, in my opinion. More tender and balanced. Meatballs, usually my favorite, were not as good. I ate one bite and brought the four home to reheat later with my own sauce and spices.

Friends said the food spot for them was the hot grill which prepares steak sandwiches, Frankie's hot dogs, hamburgers and more.

Lemon ice was luscious. The two take home desserts were a treat. We prefer the ricotta and honey filled sfogliatella, with its crispy thin multi-layered dough exterior, but a family member loved the pasticciotto with its vanilla custard interior.
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July 16, 2022 - A great weekend of fine food, entertainment and locals enjoying the Our Lady of Mount Carmel annual feast.
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"The Little Italy of Waterbury" in the neighborhood of Town Plot, is happy to be holding its outdoor annual Our Lady of Mount Carmel Italian Feast again this mid-July weekend after having to cancel the event last year because of Covid 19 restrictions. Everyone is happy to see each other's faces and say hello to old time friends. Most everybody is excited to eat the food once more, and lines are continual as people wait to order Italian classics like a hot soffrito (beef hearts), meatball or sausage and peppers sandwich, Italian ice and pastries, espresso or fresh fried dough (pizzelle) with homemade marinara sauce and parmesan.

Foods for kids and for those who want different fare are available at different stations, like Frankie's famous hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken tenders and fries. This year no wine or beer is on hand, but for those who want an alcoholic beverage, nearby restaurants and bars like Noochie's, D'Amelio's or La Tavola, are within walking distance.

The area streets are closed off, live music or soundtracks of music from Italian classics to popular tunes plays for the crowd, and funds raised over these four days go to the large stone church many attend, who went to school here in their youth, or now bring their children here to learn. Their bell in the tower still musically rings at different hours on Highland Avenue.

On Sunday, the statue of their Saint Our Lady of Mount Carmel is carried or driven through the streets in a ceremonious procession in tribute to the last day of the feast after Mass which starts at 11am. The Feast resumes at 2pm after the town tour. Tickets can be purchased at the tent for a dollar each to use to make purchases of all these delights. Open Thursday through Sunday until 9pm except the last day, they close at 8pm.
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Another great Italian Festival and feast where good music, food and regulars get together each summer.

Beautiful neighborhood Italian themed Roman Catholic Church.Father Aniello is such a great person,and Knights of Colombus Council #36,which is my council is there

Went to Italian festival. It was fun, but a little bit lame. Not much food to chose from. Didn't have a lot Oct kid friendly things to do. I would have put it together a bit differently. I would have had more food choices and had more things to do for kids...ie. Like more than a jumpie house and 4 games. Maybe I'm just used to the Italian festival in Boston or NY or even in Worcester MA. I am surprised at the things that they do in Waterbury, CT and try to call them fun. Oh well guess that that is just ghetto fun Lol.
Maybe you just have to travel a bit more to have more fun. Good day all. Drive further and get more.😆😆😉