The history of fishermen playing bocce ball in Boston is closely tied to the Italian-American community and the North End neighborhood. Bocce, also known as bocce ball or Italian lawn bowling, is a traditional Italian game that has been played for centuries. In the early 20th century, many Italian immigrants settled in the North End, bringing their cultural traditions and games with them. Bocce ball quickly became a popular pastime among the Italian-American community, including the local fishermen.
Boston’s fishing industry was centered around the waterfront areas, and the fishermen often gathered in parks, open spaces, and even on the docks to play bocce. It provided them with a recreational activity that reminded them of their homeland and helped maintain a sense of community and camaraderie. We stumbled upon a local tournament and decided to watch the games. We even got to pick the team who would be given a bye in the tourney. The team we drew ended up winning the whole tournament. It was the perfect way to spend an afternoon on the north end. We found this quaint Italian joint to eat and stay out of the rain. We also could not resist stopping by a local pub sporting flamingos.
North End is Boston’s oldest residential community, dating back to the 1630s. It has a rich history and is often referred to as the city’s “Little Italy.” The area is known for its narrow, winding streets that were originally laid out in the 17th century. These streets, such as Hanover Street and Salem Street, have retained much of their historic charm. The Paul Revere House, located in the North End, is the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston. The Old North Church, also known as Christ Church, is another iconic landmark in the North End. It is the oldest standing church building in Boston and played a significant role in Paul Revere’s midnight ride. The North End hosts an annual feast in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua, known as the “Feast of All Feasts.” It is one of the largest religious festivals in Boston. I think next year I will attend. Thanks Boston for all the memories.
