Dozens of faithful took part in the Nuri at noon on Sunday on the streets surrounding St. Sebastian's Church. Participants wore white clothes with red sashes, carried flowers and shouted "Primo Diu Sebastiano!" A larger crowd watched the procession which went up Washington Street into the parish. Infants as young as 18 months old took part being carried in their parents arms. In the sister city of Melilli, Sicily the same celebration took place today.
One of the oldest cultural traditions of Middletown is the feast of St. Sebastian at St. Sebastian's Church on Washington Street.. The celebration is that young men and women dressed in white with red sashes, run barefooted into the church to pay respect to the patron saint. The statue of the saint is taken into the streets of Middletown in procession called the Nuri. This year marks the 92nd Annual Feast celebration in Middletown. Accompanying celebrations include a carnival, vendors, raffles, music, a homemade wine competition, and food taking place on the grounds outside St. Sebastians during the three day celebrations. Thousands come home to Middletown to take part- Catholics and non Catholics alike join in the massive celebration.
