Members of the Società Santa Fortunata di New York carry a casket bearing the likeness of Saint Fortunata, hung with jewelry donated by devotees whose prayers were answered, through the streets of Bensonhurst. The rite came from the Sicilian town of Baucina to East New York in 1900 and moved to 17th Avenue in 1972. If you want Italian-American street devotion rather than a food-stand feast, this is the procession to see.
What to expect
The procession sets out from the society's home on 17th Avenue at 77th Street and loops through closed residential blocks along 78th Street, 14th Avenue, 84th Street and 13th Avenue before returning. Expect society members carrying the saint's casket, neighbors watching from stoops and sidewalks, and in past years a dramatic reenactment of Fortunata's martyrdom as part of the celebration.
Good to know
- Free to watch from the sidewalk along the route
- The D train's 79 St stop on New Utrecht Avenue is the closest subway
- Streets on the route are fully closed to traffic, so allow extra time if driving or taking a bus
- It's a religious procession, not a street fair — be respectful when photographing devotees
- Best for anyone interested in Sicilian and Italian-American heritage or photography of NYC traditions
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Common questions
What is the Santa Fortunata Procession?
It's the annual devotion of the Società Santa Fortunata di New York, whose members carry a casket bearing the likeness of Saint Fortunata, patroness of Baucina, Sicily, through Bensonhurst streets. The tradition began in Brooklyn in 1900.
Where does the procession go?
It's centered on 17th Avenue at 77th Street in Bensonhurst and loops via 78th Street, 14th Avenue, 84th Street and 13th Avenue back to 77th Street.
Do I need to be Catholic or a member to attend?
No. Anyone can watch respectfully from the sidewalk; the procession moves through public streets that are closed to traffic for the event.
