Italian Mancunians' 120th procession

June 29, 2009

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Photographs Chris Foster

Photographs Chris Foster 1/7 Play Slideshow

THE sun shone as thousands of Italian Mancunians took part in the 120th Madonna del Rosario procession in Manchester city centre.

The annual march, which began in 1889 as a religious procession for Roman Catholics in Manchester, now also celebrates the culture and traditions of families who migrated from Italy and their contribution to the city.

Organised by the Manchester Italian Association, the walk saw 2,000 people dressed in traditional costumes in the colours of the Italian flag.

Many carrying religious icons, including a statue of the Madonna decorated with lilies, they walked from Ancoats to Albert Square and back again.

Sarah Withington, secretary of the Manchester Italian Association, said: "There must have been 2,000 people walking today and it has been fantastic.

"It was the 120th year the procession has marched through the streets of Manchester, every year since 1889 including the war years.

"It is a wonderful achievement.

"It began as a very religious procession but now it is the Italian community showing its pride for the contribution it has made to Manchester. It is a celebration of being Italian Mancunians.

"Everything was very colourful today and the route was packed with spectators. People were coming out of shops to ask about the procession, which is great because it brings it to a new audience."

The Northenden Pipe Band and Droylsden Brass Band provide the music for the procession, which involved Italians from several Manchester Roman Catholic parishes.

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PW, Manchester (29/06/2009 at 13:07)

My parents told me of the Italian POW camp in Gorton during the war, off Mount Road by the Levenshulme border. The prisoners were later allowed out to roam, and would do jobs for the locals, and congregate socially in Sivoris cafe. They were well-liked and obviously trusted. Oddly enough, there were quite a few Italian-looking young kids in the town after the war. Many of the POWs stayed here.

In fact, can someone confirm whether this camp was on the present Mellands Playing Fields site?

Mr Manchester (29/06/2009 at 13:44)

PW: I'll ask my gran, she's bound to know (she's 94 and travelling around Wales this week!). Watch this space.

Carminuce, Manchester (29/06/2009 at 14:57)

My Grandfather Marco Rea he was the POW camp in the Isle of Man because he was an Italian National but his 6 sons fought in the British army II world war we are all proud to be of our Italian Heritage and our thankful to Britain for allowing us to make an honest living. Yesterday was a Beutuful day each year our Madonna and religiouse statues look more beutiful than ever I am proud to take part in this as a tribute of our Roman catholic Faith and Italian Heritage.

nyb, ex manc (29/06/2009 at 16:38)

POW camp near Mellands at the back of it at the end of Nico's Ditch.

Carminuce, Manchester (29/06/2009 at 18:22)

I understand these comments but what have these comments got to do with the procession

Carminuce, Manchester (29/06/2009 at 18:24)

this years procession was the 119th next will be our 120th the M.E.N. has got it incorrect once again

Steve Smith (29/06/2009 at 18:49)

This is the oldest procession in Manchester and yet it recieves very little support from the very people that matter to help keep it going.

The RC Bishop the City Council and the Manchester Evening News.

Roman catholic churhes are closing across the city and this is partly the result of parishes being bulldozed in the 60 and 70's. It would be a nice gesture on the Bishop to support this procession and encourge current and former RC churhes to particpate in this anual procession with there banners
The councul could also look at allowing the processon take the original route of the old whit walks, Newton street, Portland Street and via St Peters Square to the town hall and back again instead of forcing the very young and elderly to walk back all up hill and in areas which are barron and isolated.
I hope this procession goes on for another 100 years, thank you to those that organised it.

PW, Manchester (29/06/2009 at 18:50)

Thanks everyone. NYB, that will be at the end of Wembley Road, where the school was built at the end of the 1960's. I remember playing in the air raid shelters close to there in the late 60's.

Carminuce, it was a beautiful parade. I believe there is footage of your walks from the 1930's-40's on a video called Bygone Manchester. Italians have always fitted in well in the UK. I remember when having no money, Sivori's van would give us broken ice lollys, and sometimes a free cornet. He knew we were regular customers, and showed such kindness to the less well-off kids.

Steve Smith (29/06/2009 at 23:20)

Its seems that my comments diected at the MEN were censored so I will try again
It would also help if the MEN informed it readers about the procession prior and nnot always after as I am sure many more spectatators or walkers would take part.

Carminuce, Manchester (30/06/2009 at 13:51)

there no bodys ice cream better than Marco Rea yes their is also footage of the 1912 procession. I am the youngest member of M.I.A i have lead the madonna del rosario for 6 years i walk in front of the big crucifix

St Michael, Manchester (30/06/2009 at 14:20)

The Italian community has always provided a positive contribution to our city of manchester from the Ice Cream venders on our streets to the big strong men that laid terrazzo marble floors adorne our manchester townhall and central library. God bless them all in times of hardship my family lived in the quarter dubbed Ancoats little Italy those people cared and shared i came from an irish background but they fed us all on their home made macaroni God bless Mrs Tiani and her family.

elizabeth barry (01/09/2011 at 04:11)

hi mrs elizabeth tiani was my great aunt , thank you for such kind words God bless you to

St Michael, Manchester (30/06/2009 at 17:09)

PW Manchester it is NOT a parade it is a Roman Catholic Procession "Madonna Del Rosario Procession"

Manchester Italian Association, Manchester (30/06/2009 at 21:44)

Thank you Steve Smith for your positive comments in favour of our procession you are quite right, the M.E.N could give us more coverage prior to our procession and it would be wonderful if our council appreciated the work that went into this event we are totally self-funded by our generous followers but it is getting difficult each year since the council re-developed ancoats even getting a place to dress our emblems has been a nightmare so if their are any buissiness out their with accommodation we would be very grateful thanks once again to our devoted helpers. We are the biggest procession through out Britain and Ireland.
Lorraina Taurasi President M.I.A

Christine Walters (14/07/2009 at 19:22)

my parents told me there was an italian POW camp on (what is now Nuthurst palying fields) on Lightbowne Rd Moston. Does anyone have any recollection of this?

CW Manchester
14th July 2009

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