Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Springfield’s South End is holding its annual Taste of Italy festival offering over 30 favorite Italian main and side dishes from which to select for dinner, as well as a dessert table overflowing with sweet treats. Food tickets will be sold at the door for all items. The celebration, part of Italian Heritage Month, will be held from 4:30 to 8 p.m. in the school auditorium on 36 Margaret St., after 4 p.m. Mass in the church on William Street.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, which was built in 1907 by Italian immigrants is the first church for Italian immigrants in the Springfield area. Recipes from different regions of Italy will reflect the parish’s heritage. This event was started in 1992 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of America. Families bring their favorite recipes to promote their Italian region.

Recipes from different regions of Italy will reflect the church’s unique heritage. Among the food scheduled to be served are Sicilian penne, linguini with clam sauce, insalata di calamari, fritelle di Fiore, insalata di baccala, ricotta ravioli; escarole soup, pasta Bolognese, gnocchi, chicken cacciatori, eggplant rollatini, tortellini soup, pasta e fagioli, eggplant lasagna, ziti and meatballs and tortellini/antipasto salad. A dessert table will feature special pastries and Italian ice, espresso and cappuccino coffee and soft drinks will be available.

The Taste of Italy will include Italian music, a Grand Raffle and a 50-50 raffle. Free parking and admission! Food tickets will be sold at the door. Visitors will select Italian “tastes” they want to purchase. Food will be available to take home too.

36 Margaret St, Springfield, Massachusetts 01105