In the suburbs of Boston, the “paint battle” is causing tension among Italian-Americans
Every July, in Newton, a suburb of Boston, the large Italian-American community celebrates its heritage with a four-day festival. But this year, a falling-out with the city council arose over... road markings. A green, white, and red tricolor line that separated the roadway was repainted yellow. As the festivities approached, this decision sparked fierce protests and triggered a "paint battle."
The story might sound funny, but in Newton, a suburb of Boston, the Italian-American community isn't laughing at all. Every July since 1935, the Nonantum neighborhood, home to many residents with Italian roots, hosts the Festa, a large gathering aimed at "celebrating the traditions of the land of their ancestors" who made the crossing from the Boot to settle in the United States, reports CBS Boston .
For the occasion, “Italian flags are hung from utility poles as frequently as American flags, and fire hydrants and crosswalks are painted red, white and green, the traditional colors of Italy,” reports The Boston Globe .
For the Italian-American community, which represents 800,000 people In the Boston area, it's a bit like "Christmas in July," festival organizer Chuck Proia told the Boston Daily. For four days, concerts, shows, and meals are held throughout the neighborhood. The event concludes each time with a procession on Adams Street during which a statue of the Virgin Mary is carried to the neighborhood church.
However, the 2025 edition, which ended on Sunday, July 20,
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