On Sunday, September 7, 2025, the skies over the Hudson River exploded with fireworks. People in Hoboken, New York City, and Jersey City all caught the show.
The lights and noise came from Hoboken’s 99th annual Italian Festival, called the Feast of the Madonna dei Martiri. It’s a tradition that mixes deep religious roots with a pretty lively party vibe.
Easy booking across hundreds of accommodations from luxury high-rises to unearthed brownstone treasures.
Browse Accommodations Now
Some folks loved the surprise display, but others were confused or even a little worried. Social media filled up with questions and wild guesses about what was going on.
The History Behind Hoboken’s Italian Festival
The Feast of the Madonna dei Martiri isn’t your average street fair. It carries history that stretches all the way back to 1399 in Naples, Italy.
King Ladislao di Durazzo started it as a festival to honor the Madonna dei Martiri. Immigrants from the Molfetta region brought the tradition to Hoboken over a hundred years ago, and now it’s a huge part of the city’s identity.
By 2025, the festival had turned into a four-day waterfront blowout. There were food vendors, music, religious processions, and, of course, fireworks.
This year’s fireworks were supposed to happen Saturday, but rain forced a delay. The show finally went off Sunday night, catching a lot of people off guard.
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
More Than Just Fireworks
The fireworks might grab the headlines, but there’s a lot more going on. People crowd around for the “feast bombs”—daytime fireworks that kick off in the late afternoon.
The smell of Italian street food hangs in the air. Pasta, seafood, pastries, espresso—there’s something for everyone while live music and dancing fill the streets.
For many in Hoboken, the festival is a yearly reunion. Friends, family, and old neighbors come back to soak up the sense of community, echoing the festival’s roots in Italy.
Sunday Night’s Double Firework Display
On Sunday night, people got an unusual treat: fireworks from two events at once. Along with Hoboken’s show, Montvale in Bergen County set off its own fireworks for “Day in the Park.”
So the sky was packed with color, but it left plenty of folks scratching their heads. Social media buzzed as everyone tried to figure out where all the noise and flashes were coming from.
Mixed Reactions from Residents
Reactions were all over the place. Some people cheered the tradition, while others worried about pets, kids, or the timing so close to 9/11—always a tough time for the area.
Still, the festival stands as one of the region’s longest-running cultural events. That alone says something about its staying power.
What Events Like This Mean for Jersey City
Big festivals in nearby cities often spill into Jersey City, bringing extra excitement—and a bump in tourism. Visitors coming for Hoboken’s Italian Festival often book rooms in Jersey City hotels for easy access and a range of choices.
Restaurants and bars across different city districts in Jersey City usually see a nice jump in business whenever there’s a major event on the Hudson waterfront.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Thinking about checking out Hoboken’s Italian Festival next year? Maybe turn it into a full Hudson County adventure.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Jersey City—from parks and historic sites to great food. Exploring a bit might help you figure out where to stay in Jersey City too, whether you want a cool boutique hotel near the PATH or a fancy suite with Manhattan views.
Getting Here and Planning Ahead
For out-of-towners, getting to Jersey City is surprisingly easy. You’ve got multiple PATH train connections, ferry routes, and quick access through the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels.
Whether you’re based in New York or coming from somewhere else in New Jersey, pairing your visit with a nearby cultural festival adds a unique twist. It’s honestly one of the best ways to soak up the local flavor.
Find the perfect hotel or vacation rental. Instant booking, no fees!
View Top Stays
Here is the source article for this story: Fireworks Heard In NYC, Hoboken, And Jersey City Sunday: Here’s Why
Getting Around Jersey City, NJ
Plan Your Stay in Jersey City, NJ
Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
