The Feast of San Gennaro is an 11-day street festival held annually in the Little Italy neighborhood of New York City. It is one of the city's oldest and most well-known street fairs, celebrating the patron saint of Naples, Saint Januarius (San Gennaro).
Dates and Location
* 2025 Dates: The festival runs from Thursday, September 11, to Sunday, September 21.
* Location: The main festivities take place along Mulberry Street, between Canal and Houston Streets, as well as on Hester Street between Baxter Street and Centre Street.
H
istory
The Feast of San Gennaro began in 1926 as a one-day block party for Italian immigrants from Naples who had settled in Little Italy. They held the celebration to honor their beloved patron saint. Over the years, the festival has grown into a major 11-day event, attracting over a million visitors from all backgrounds who come to experience Italian-American culture, food, and traditions.
What to Expect
The festival is a vibrant and crowded affair, with a festive atmosphere. Here are some of the main highlights:
* Food: Food is a major part of the festival. You can find classic Italian and Italian-American street foods like:
* Sausage and peppers sandwiches
* Zeppole (deep-fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar)
* Cannoli (pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cream)
* Fried calamari
* Rice balls
* Pizza
* And more, from both vendors and local restaurants with outdoor seating.
* Religious Events: The festival has its roots in religious tradition. Key events include:
* The Grand Procession: A parade featuring the statue of San Gennaro, which is carried through the streets of Little Italy.
* Solemn High Mass: A mass held at the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood to honor the patron saint.
* Entertainment: Live musical performances are a daily occurrence, featuring a variety of genres including Italian pop-opera, jazz, and traditional music.
* Carnival and Contests: The festival often includes carnival games, rides, and various eating contests, such as cannoli, meatball, and zeppole eating competitions.
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