Group celebrates 10th Feast of Seven Fishes in Norristown

The Feast of Seven Fishes is a celebrated Italian-American tradition that started in this country with the wave of immigration from Southern Italy to the United States in the early 1900s.  There are numerous theories about how or why Italian Americans came to identify “seven” for the celebration of the Feast (seven sacraments, seven hills of Rome, and seven virtues, to name a few).  Regardless of the origin and where the number “seven” came from, the Feast has become a staple of many Italian-American families on Christmas Eve, as well as Italian-American clubs and organizations.

The Americans of Italian Heritage Council holds its 10th Feast of Seven Fishes on Nov. 30 at Presidential Caterers in Norristown. | PHOTO COURTESY OF AL DEGENNARO

Continuing its tradition, the Americans of Italian Heritage Council Inc. hosted its 10^th annual Feast of Seven Fishes on Nov. 30 at Presidential Caterers Wedding & Event Venue in Norristown, Pa.

More than 75 attendees enjoyed delicious antipasti, followed by a feast that included calamari, flounder stuffed with crabmeat, clams and mussels scampi, lobster ravioli, and, of course, baccalà, along with Italian wine, beer and tiramisu.

“We wanted to continue this tradition among our membership, and the event has become a welcome addition to everyone’s calendar this time of the year,” said Al DeGennaro, president of the organization.

Al DeGennaro is president of the Americans of Italian Heritage Council and Deputy General Counsel for J.P. Mascaro & Sons.