It has long been recognized as perhaps the city’s signature social event of the year. Year in and year out, thousands of Malden residents, past and present, as well as those from other surrounding communities, descend on Pearl Street for St. Rocco’s Feast. The three-day event combines food, entertainment and tradition, with an authentic Italian American feel.

And this year the organizers of the event, the St. Rocco’s Feast Association of Malden will host the event for the 88th time beginning Friday, August 11. For its first 75 years, the feast served as the main fundraiser for St. Peter’s Church until the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston shuttered the building in 2004. When the church was closed, parishioners vowed to continue the traditional feast and haven’t skipped a beat over the past 13 years.