33rd annual Taste of Italy celebrates Italian Heritage Month

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Taste of Italy returned to the South End in Springfield.

“This…bringing our people together, that’s all that matters to me,” shared Rosemarie Rueli Costa, former Taste of Italy chairperson for 32 years.

Each year baystaters from all over come together for homemade Italian meals and pastries while raising funds for Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish.

The Rueli family of Springfield has been part of the Parish for years.

“The older generation and the younger generation come together and they share all their stories. They just get together and eat,” said Larry Pietrucci, Taste of Italy chairperson.

For two twin sisters, it’s their first time being a part of this tradition that their family looks forward to every year.

“Eating the food, being with my fam, being with my sister and eating the Italian ice,” Hannah Bowen told 22News.

This year Rosemarie Rueli Costa, former chairperson of Taste of Italy for 32 years, passed the torch to her nephew Larry Pietrucci. Rosemarie is still very involved with the event, a member of the committee, and those at the event shared with 22News that Taste of Italy is made possible each year through her efforts.

Saturday evening Rosemarie was recognized by Mayor Sarno and Father White of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish.

“It helps our church, and we have a very strong healthy parish and this is one of the events that makes that so,” shared Rueli-Costa.

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