One Family, Three Cultures: Annual Fish Fry Brings Communities Together in Pennsylvania

HALIFAX, Pennsylvania — In May, the Lispi family's Annual Fish Fry once again brought together Filipino, American, and Italian families for a day of food, friendship, and fellowship in Halifax, Pennsylvania. What began as a family tradition has grown into a cherished community gathering where different cultures come together and lasting friendships are formed.

At the heart of the tradition is Aleandro Lispi, who was born in Italy on June 19, 1924, immigrated to the United States in 1929, and recently celebrated his 102nd birthday. A lifelong fisherman, Aleandro began sharing his love of fishing with family and friends decades ago. According to his son, Daniel Lispi, those gatherings eventually became the Annual Fish Fry, now in its 31st year. Even at 102 years old, Aleandro still enjoys frying fish—mostly bluegill and trout—continuing the tradition he started many years ago.

About 75 to 100 guests travel from Lititz, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Hershey, Philadelphia, and surrounding communities to take part in the celebration each year. Tables are filled with freshly fried fish alongside Filipino, Italian, and American dishes, reflecting the multicultural spirit that has become the event's hallmark.

The gathering took on an even richer multicultural flavor after Daniel met his Filipina partner, Lovelita "Lovey" Jacoby, in 2013. Together, Daniel and Lovey now host the Annual Fish Fry at their home in Halifax, welcoming family and friends from different backgrounds. Since then, more Filipino families have joined the celebration, bringing with them the Filipino spirit of bayanihan—working together and helping one another. Lovey, who serves as the head of the KaSaDra Dance Troupe of Pennsylvania, also welcomes members of the dance troupe and many other Filipino families to the annual gathering, further strengthening its multicultural character.

When asked what he appreciates most about the Filipino community, Daniel didn't hesitate.

"I think that the Filipinos are the friendliest, easy-going people in the world. They always bring something, and they always clean up before leaving. It's always a pleasure to be around them."

Lovey recalled how the growing number of Filipino guests earned the gathering a lighthearted nickname.

"Tahimik ang lugar noon hanggang dumating ang mga Filipino," she said. "Tinawag nilang 'Filipino invasion' because Filipinos love to get together. We get to know each other, help each other, and celebrate together."

Many families travel long distances each year to attend. Tony Antolihao said he returns every year because of the warm atmosphere and the variety of Filipino, Italian, and American food. Kitty Quings, originally from Davao, said the gathering feels like home, where everyone brings a dish to share and enjoys each other's company.

More than an annual fish fry, the Lispi family's tradition has become a celebration of family, friendship, and cultural unity. Through a shared meal and a welcoming spirit, one family's tradition continues to bring communities together, proving that the strongest bonds are often built around a table shared with others.