The Taste of Italy returned to the South End in Springfield. “This…bringing our people together, that’s all that matters to me,” shared Rosemarie Rueli Costa, former Taste of Italy chairperson for 32 years. Each year baystaters from all over come together for homemade Italian meals and pastries while raising funds for Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish.

The Rueli family of Springfield has been part of the Parish for years. “The older generation and the younger generation come together and they share all their stories. They just get together and eat,” said Larry Pietrucci, Taste of Italy chairperson.