OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Since 1925, the Santa Lucia Festival has been celebrated in Omaha a total of 95 times. This year, organizers say the festival, which usually takes place in June, will go on with a few changes due to the ongoing pandemic.
Instead of four days of food, fun and celebrations, this year's celebration will be limited to two days. Also, social distancing and other guidelines will be observed to keep those in attendance safe. Other details will be available as guidance is given by the Douglas County Health Department.
You can read Santa Lucia's full release below:
The Santa Lucia(lew-CHEE-uh)Italian Festival will be held August 22ndand 23rd. The annual Omaha tradition was scheduled to be held June 4-7, but the current pandemic forced organizers to put it on hold.
Except for the years during World War II, the Omaha tradition has been held annually since 1925. While organizers are excited to hold the event in 2020, it will look very different. Normallya four-day festival, it will be reduced to two days. The festival will consist of a veneration, mass,and benedictionhonoring the Saint for which the festival is named. It will also include the statue’s exit fromSt Frances Cabrini Church, near 10th& William streets. Authentic Italian take-home food will be available. Santa Lucia Festival and Little Italy history will be displayed. Merchandise commemorating the event will also be available for purchase.
All social distancing guidelineswill be observed. More details will be released astheDouglas CountyHealth Department continues to provide guidance. Allevents at St Frances Cabrini Church will be streamed livevia SantaLuciaFestival.com, with the help and coordination of the church and Father Damian Zuerlein.
Established in 1925, the Santa Lucia Festival is one of the Midwest’s longest running festivals.
