Tomatoes, onions, and garlic are sauteed and reduced to a perfect consistency. The sauce is seasoned, and roasted red peppers are marinated in the mixture. Freshly charred sausage is then covered with the peppers to create the iconic sandwich of Omaha’s Santa Lucia Festival.

The process of creating the sausage-and-pepper sandwich reflects the love, dedication, and togetherness that defines Omaha’s annual celebration of Italian heritage. Joe Caniglia has grown up with the Santa Lucia Festival—in fact, he was born during the festivities in 1931.