Thousands take part in city's 140-year-old Italian procession

More than 2,000 people will parade through Manchester later in a tradition begun by the city's Italian community nearly 140 years ago.

The Madonna Del Rosario procession is part of a display of religious faith but also a celebration of Italian identity with pride of place given to a 5ft (1.5m) statue of the Virgin Mary dating back nearly 100 years.

It begins at 13:00 BST in George Leigh Street, Ancoats, an area once known as Little Italy due to the Italian immigrants who settled there.

The procession, which began in 1888, leaves Ancoats with association officials and civic dignitaries at its head, led by the Lord Mayor of Manchester and the Bishop of Salford.

The procession involves the carrying of religious emblems – The Madonna, The Calvary, St Anthony and banners – from Ancoats across Manchester city centre, passing the Town Hall into St Peter's Square around 14:30.

After a pause it returns back to George Leigh Street to finish with a short blessing outside the former St Michael's Church.

Manchester Italian Association president Mrs Lorraine Taurasi said participation was not restricted to Italians and it would be joined by four pipe bands and people from scores of Catholic churches reflecting the city's Irish, Polish, Indian, Philippines and African communities.

"Everyone is welcome - we are the largest procession outside of London," she said.

The procession in keeping with the festas held in Italy to celebrate saints has only been halted by the World War Two and the Covid pandemic.

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