07/12/2025
As we get closer to the Feast of The Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society, Hammonton, NJ we wanted to share some information to ensure no one misses out on a great tradition!
First let's share some history, July 16th has been an important holiday in Hammonton for 150 years. The Mt. Carmel Festival is the longest running Italian Festival in America and is run by the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society. Based in Hammonton, this festival was first celebrated on Pine Road by Italian immigrants in 1875 to thank the Virgin Mary for their safe journey to America, for a successful farming season, and for the blessings and good fortune found in their new home of Hammonton. It later moved to Lake Park and ultimately settled into its current location, around St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Some people from Hammonton call it ''The Feast '' ''The Festival '' ''Feast Week'' 'Festival Week'' ''The 16th '' ''16th of July '''Mt. Carmel,'' ''The Carnival'' and some people from out of town even call it ''The Fair''. Whatever you call it, it's a very special and important week in our Town and we hope everyone has the opportunity to experience it!
Each year, the Festival dates range a bit. This year, most food stands, beer gardens, entertainment, carnival rides and games will run from Monday, July 14th through Saturday, July 19th.
Here are some tips:
Kick-Off the Feast with the Sons of Italy Hammonton NJ located on 3rd Street on Sunday 7/13 from 12 PM to 7 PM. Spaghetti & meatballs, cash bar, open to the public.
Sunday 7/13 Running of the Sandwiches at 4PM starting on Third Street and Cottage Ave. across the street from the Sons of Italy lodge in Hammonton. Totally free event and a great family experience!
Sunday 7/13 8:30PM Drone Show and Fireworks at the Hammonton High School.
Brown Stand - Run by the Mt. Carmel Society, at Mt. Carmel Lane (Tilton Street): Offering Italian-American food, beer and 2 stages with different types of entertainment. Food stand is open for lunch 11am to 1:30pm on weekdays & nightly at 5pm throughout the week.
The Church Stand - Run by St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish, adjacent to St. Joseph Church on 3rd Street: Offering Italian-American Food, Spanish Food, Funnel Cakes, Desserts, a beer & wine garden and a stage with entertainment, along with vendors. (7/14, 7/15, 7/17, 7/18 open 5PM- 11PM, 7/16 & 7/19 open 12PM-11PM)
Blue Stand - Run by the Assumption Society, on the edge of the Carnival Grounds on 3rd Street: Offering ItalianAmerican Food. Open now until Sunday 7/20
Sons of Italy, located on 3rd Street: Offering indoor and outdoor beer gardens, feast traditions like homemade meatballs, famous red roast beef, and sausage and peppers. (Open to the public on certain days)
Various Independently Operated Tents, Booths and Stands, Along 3rd Street, French Streets and on the Carnival Grounds: Includes Italian Ice, Ice Cream, Cannoli, Funnel Cake, Italian, Spanish, American & Carnival-Style Food, along with Merchandise Vendors. (Open during various dates and times Monday 7/14 through Saturday 7/19.)
Some of the food and beverage stands and other vendors accept credit and debit cards and there are temporary ATM's set up near the Church and at other locations, but it is best to come prepared with enough cash for all or most of your purchases.
The Amusements of America Carnival runs from Monday 7/14 through Saturday 7/19 and is open from 6 PM to 11 PM each night. Discounted advance tickets are available in books as a pre-purchase by texting 609-415-8151 and at local shops or you can purchase regular priced tickets at the Carnival on each night. (Wristband nights are on Tuesday 7/15, Wednesday 7/16 & Thursday 7/17. Pay $40 and ride all night on these dates only.)
The Procession, which is run by the Mt. Carmel Society, is always held on July 16th and starts at 4 PM on Wednesday, 7/16 in front of St. Joseph Church and runs along 3rd Street to Fairview Avenue, then to Egg Harbor Road to Bellevue Avenue, along the railroad tracks, then along Bellevue Avenue to 3rd Street and back to the Church. The Procession generally passes through Downtown Hammonton around 5 PM. The Procession ends at approximately 6 PM at St. Joseph Church on 3rd Street. Various roads will be shut down in and around Downtown later in the day.
Loud firework/cannon sounds will be exploded every hour on the hour to commemorate the celebration beginning at 8 AM on July 16th and each time the Procession turns a corner on its route, along with at other times. Please be aware this will occur all day and make preparations.
Candle Shrine is open inside St. Joseph Church throughout the Festival.
Mass Schedule on Wednesday 7/16:
8 AM - Mt. Carmel Society Mass
10 AM - Italian Language Mass
12 PM - Spanish Language Mass
2 PM (Mass and Crowning)
6 PM (Mass after the Procession)
Fireworks are shot off in Downtown on Wednesday the 7/16 & Saturday the 19th at 10 PM. Most fireworks will be visible from the Carnival Grounds.
The overall Festival is located between Third Street and Mt. Carmel Lane/Tilton Street, Pleasant Street to Pratt Street. If you put 298 Tilton Street in your GPS, is will take you to Mt. Carmel Society Hall.
Walk or bike to the Festival each night, if you can. Free parking along the streets leading up to and surrounding the Church or Carnival Grounds where parking is allowed. Please follow signs posted by Police throughout town to know which portions of streets you can and cannot park on. Free parking is also available in some lots Downtown. Paid parking is available in some private parking lots near the Church and Carnival Grounds. Follow the "Event Parking" signs and park for free at the Hammonton Middle School on Liberty Street and take a free jitney shuttle to and from the Festival. (Free shuttles operate nightly from 6 PM to 11 PM. 4PM-11PM on 7/16)
Don't forget to say hi to the candidates at the feast! Can't wait to see everyone there!
Buona Festa!
(That means "Happy Feast Day" or "Good Party.")
