ARMOUR SQUARE — A traditional Croatian religious festival will bring a parade, festival and fireworks to the neighborhood Tuesday.
The Feast of Velika Gospa will be held Tuesday at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 2823 S. Princeton Ave. Velika Gospa, or Assumption Day, is the one of the biggest religious and social events in Croatian culture, and is on par with St. Patrick's Day for the Irish or Columbus Day for Italians, according to St. Jerome's website.
The festival has also become a Bridgeport summer tradition. Now in its 111th year, the ceremony begins around 10:15 a.m. with a procession through the neighborhood before a "Solemn High Mass" honoring the the Blessed Virgin Mary, according to the church.
Following the Mass, St. Jerome will hold a cookout featuring traditional Croatian food. Live music, a bar, games and other entertainment will be provided throughout the day. The night will end with the drawing for a $20,000 raffle and fireworks. Tickets for the raffle are available for $100.
St. Jerome is still seeking volunteers for the event. If interested in volunteering, sign up here.
The Feast of Velika Gospa will include a BBQ featuring traditional Croatian food. [Facebook/St. Jerome Parish]
