New-York tribune., 1902-08-26
SAN CIRUS'S DAY.
PICTURESQUE CELEBRATION IN THE
LAND OF THE PUSHCARTS.

Sicily had ~ tanines in the roster of Italian
aaet days yesterdAy Third-ave., around about
Houeton-st, wore its usual sordd and prosalc
aspect but who turned just short oock
westward found himself in the midst of blaze of
primitive color The of Sicily had gathered
on Elzabeth-st., between Prince and Houston sts
and they had done themselves proud in the way OF
decoration. Neither good San Rocco nor Our
Lady Of Mount Carmel had much bunting
bought in their honor: many streams of red.
white and blue flung gayly from fire escape and
balcony.
AS usual it was difficult to find out what it was
all about. One after another shook his head when
addressed in the tongue of the Sassenach. In de-
spair an explorer caught by the shoulder little
girl. BY the quirk of her eye and the fling OF her
green gingham frock he knew she had been IN the
public schools.
You speak English know" he said; i'can
you tell me what's going on here?
She gave him look Of pity and contempt
Why. cert she said The kings comm by
pretty soon"
a blackeyed young stood by listening
with a sympathetic smile. She looked If she
might be an Italian. born in New York.
DO you know whose day this is. miss?' said
the explorer
No. she did not speak italian. and could not find
out; she just happened by, and stopped TO look ut
the shrine
Il think It's real beautiful" she said. simply;
yes, indeed. it's real wonderful" gazing on 1t with
admiration.
And after ALL 1t good San Cirrus Alexanori-
nus the patron saint of seamen San Cirrus, with
his hand outstretched in blessing the PROV OF
a boat and a shipwrecked sailor lying at his feet
Far of Palermo was gay with his banners yes
terday. and in El;7abeth-st. they kept his feast
with equal Joy.
The shrine stood against house wall near Hous-
ton-st. There picture of the saint, and be-
fore it burned many candles. Some of them. when
centre with pink ribbon, Sometimes there was a
all along the front the shelf under the saints
picture there hung similar trappngs Of vanity
a gold watch. Down below there great heap
of money-fve and two and one dollar bills under
top. In of the shrine there a crowd all
from the pushcart man the smart Italian bank
er. making his way through to his office. All the
unusual richness OF local color for this is In the
Vas good Barkers Yelled Gelati iaana! by the
doors Of the restaurants. and on the sidewalks
spoons. and for a centrepiece generous pan OF
dlshwater. in which to cleanse each mans dish the
great clam stands tossed over penny. picked up
half-sheH and swallowed the succulent biva!ye
Near by stood phonograph pushcart. surrounded
hanging from his ears It was an attractive sight
to see an ancient dame, fresh from the rural sec
tons Of Sicily, with great gold hoops. like key
rings in her ears. have her first experience with
ievingly in her ears to see the slow sniIe break
over her stod face TO see her toothless gums
watching crowd. was all part OF the festival;
Big iron pots green corn. friously boiling stood
front macaronf factories. Chestnuts squash
decaces Of an italian feast day greeted the vision
on every side, As night drew on bands played
''One-a-mass at san PatrlQue this mornin,. -
said one enthusiastic follower of San Cirrus TO the
,;I,o-ng,ta. march in streeta: tree four. flva
r6pa e" From this al roof m u 70 haa Waka walk o
air Ill boy and Ill girl tinka ona Angelo ST. Sig
alright