September 1 - September 4 from 3 PM to 11 PM CDT - 8400 W Church St, Niles, IL 60714, United States. Join us as we celebrate the 117th Annual Feast for our 3rd year in Niles! The 117th Annual Feast of Maria SS. Lauretana is one of the oldest running Italian Festivals in the Chicagoland area. Famously known for its "Volata" or "Flight of the Angels", the Feast has become a tradition to many in Chicago's Italian-American community. 

From it's humble beginnings in Chicago's Northside "Little Sicily" neighborhood, the Feast has flourished for 116 years and draws thousands of people from all over to enjoy a Labor Day weekend of culture, live music, food, rides, games, and most importantly to honor our Holy Mother under the title of Maria Santissima Lauretana. 

The feast reaches its culmination on Sunday when it kicks off with a morning procession. The mass that follows has been celebrated by faithful priests and bishops; namely the late Cardinal Francis George who was a close friend of our society and a devotee of our Blessed Mother. The afternoon is kicked off with the main procesion which includes the Throne of the Blessed Mother and The Volata, or Flight of the Angels. The Flight of the Angels has been a time-honored tradition going back to Altavilla Milicia, Sicily. The evening wraps up with a beautiful fireworks display.

Come join us this Labor Day weekend and enjoy a real piece of Italian tradition in Niles at The Feast of Maria Santissima Lauretana.