A tradition continues on 18th Avenue

It started decades ago, when Bensonhurst was largely composed of Italian and Jewish immigrants.

Many years later, with a considerably more diverse community, the Santa Rosalia feast still stands strong.

Its traditional merchants give the fair, which takes place along 18th Avenue from 67th Street to Bay Ridge Parkway, its own flavor.

Take brothers Michele and Domenico Cascone, who were born in Brooklyn, but raised in Naples, for instance. In 1996, they decided to make their way back to their native land, coming up with an interesting idea.

At the fair, they put their idea to the test. They set up a mobile brick oven pizzeria, calling it “Spezzacatene,” or chain-breaker, a common phrase used in southern Italy, Domenico explained.

“The neighborhood has changed,” said Domenico, “but I feel comfortable, this is my area,” he added.

They claim to have the best pizza in town, using strictly Italian ingredients. The brothers use “no gas at all; just wood, like in Naples,” explained Gazmir Zeneli, who also works at the feast.

Antonio Alaimo, co-owner of Villabate bakery, said that he loves to see the Italians who used to live in the area come back for occasions like the feast.

“Bensonhurst is awesome,” he added. “We’re happy to see all the Italians back.”

People come from nearby as well. “We come all the time,” said Marie Panza, from Bay Ridge. Her favorite part of the Santa Rosalia feast is the food.

On a less traditional note, 20-year-old Michael Pagan strolled around with a pet snake around his shoulders, captivating the attention of all. The six foot Colombian redtail boa constrictor is one of three of Pagan’s snake pets. He used to own 12 of them.

“People get scared,” and he enjoys the “oh my God! It’s a snake!” expressions, he explained.

The feast will be on-going until September 2.