Little Italy's big day

The annual Madonna Del Rosario procession returned to the city streets on Sunday as part of one of Manchester’s longest-standing cultural traditions.

Although celebrating Manchester’s Italian culture, the procession was not without its Tameside contingent this year, including representatives attending from Denton plus Droylsden’s St John’s Band adding to the spectacle.

The procession, which takes place each year to celebrate Italian heritage in Manchester, assembled at St Michael’s Church on George Leigh Street in Ancoats before making its way towards St Peter’s Square.

The parade brought the city centre to a standstill as it made its way along Great Ancoats Street, Swan Street, Shudehill, Corporation Street, Exchange Square, Cross Street and Princess Street. There then followed colourful celebrations and speeches in the Square before  returning to St Michael’s.

Even Manchester City and United legend Brian Kidd was among those to join the parade.

The Madonna del Rosario procession, also known as the Manchester Italian Walk, is a long-standing tradition organised by the Manchester Italian Association in the Ancoats area, also known as Little Italy.

Dating back to 1890, the procession celebrates Italian culture and heritage, particularly among the city’s Italian community. 

The procession features statues, banners, traditional costumes, and music and has taken place every year, the only exceptions being during the world wars and pandemic.