Springfield's South End neighborhood recently celebrated its first-ever Italian Christmas Market. The lighting of the Christmas tree kicked off the revival of this Italian cultural tradition in the city. Mayor Domenic Sarno, Salvatore Circosta, president of the Sons and Daughters of Italy in Springfield , and other officials attended the lighting ceremony.
Father Paolo Bagattini offered a blessing in English and Italian followed by a brief speech with some catchphrases in Italian. Once lit, the Christmas tree illuminated the snow covered grounds of Florian Park in the South End neighborhood.
