John Barella Interview

John Barella (1941-2022) was born in Saratoga Springs to Italian immigrant parents. As the Vice President of the Principessa Elena Society, an Italian fraternal organization and social club, Barella describes how the society activities preserved and strengthened West Side Italian immigrant heritage. The interview highlights the Feast of St. Michael, describing the music, food, and parade involved in the three-day celebration. Barella reminisces about marching through the streets of Saratoga Springs while Italian parade participants carried a statue of St. Michael, carried a boat figure to represent Italian migration, and set off “bombs” (fireworks) to commemorate the deceased at particular households . He also describes how bocce ball created bonds among Italian West Siders and reflected cultural changes across generations. Barella recalls that people used to enjoy playing bocce ball in the streets of the Italian neighborhood, and that he hopes that available bocce court will reopen.