The Feast of San Gennaro is the longest running festival in New York City. It began in 1926 with the arrival of immigrants from Naples, Italy who lived along Mulberry Street in Little Italy. Revered by Neapolitans, as their protector, legend has it that vials San Gennaro’s blood liquify several times per year including on September 19. Though the festival still maintains religious significance to many attendees, it is primarily a celebration of the Italian culture that once filled the streets of the community.
Little Italy, New York City © Gennaro Salamone
What was once a thriving Italian enclave, Manhattan’s Little Italy has shrunk over the decades leaving only a small section with Italian restaurants and shops. While visiting Arthur Avenue in the Bronx provides for a more authentic experience, attending the San Gennaro Festival is an opportunity to participate in a traditional street fair.
Torrone + Zeppole © Gennaro Salamone
The highlight for festival goers is eating Italian food from street vendors. Sausage and peppers, zeppole, and cuts from giant slabs of torrone are especially popular. There is also a cannoli-eating contest for those with bottomless stomachs.
Italian Americans cooking traditional sausage © Gennaro Salamone
When they’re not preparing your meal, vendors exhibit their fun-loving and uninhibited nature. It’s a much needed diversion from the crowded lines on Mulberry and the adjacent streets.
Italian horns (corni) protect against the evil eye + Pinning of money on San Gennaro © Gennaro Salamone
For individuals who are more interested in the religious aspects of the San Gennaro, a mass is held on the official Saint Day (September 19) at the Most Precious Blood Church followed by a procession. It is tradition to pin money on the statue of San Gennaro as a donation to the church.
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.
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Jenna
Love the festival! I go every year and eat everything in site. I really liked your write up. Learned a few things.
The photos of that vendor are great. Looks like a fun guy. I’ll look out for him this weekend.
George
It’s a fun feast. I’ve been a couple of times and it’s filled with colorful people and lots of good food. That torrone shot has me wanting to get out of the office and run over to Mulberry.
Anna Smith
Arthur Avenue or parts of Bensonhurst are better to visit during the year, but Little Italy on Mulberry is good especially on the religious procession day. That’s still how they do in places like Italy and Spain. Walking the street with the statue being held by a group.
Jen Laceda
We went to NYC last month and stayed around the chinatown / little italy area. loved the energy around there! glad to see little italy still alive and kicking – but for how much longer, though? i think i’ve been watching one too many episodes of Jersey Shore!!
Andi
It is worth going for the food alone!!!
Gennaro
@Jenna
Yep, he is quite the character.
@George
Thanks.
@Anna Smith
Very similar. Though the route tends to be longer in Spain and Italy.
Gennaro
@Jen
Not much longer. The Italian enclaves are almost gone. Most have assimilated.
@Andi
Agreed.
Ayngelina
Looks like a fantastic festival but I had to laugh at the guy wearing the mexican wrestling mask.
Gennaro
@Ayngelina – Yep, he was very entertaining. Had to pull out the camera for him.
Jannie Funster
It’s sad to hear Little Italy has gotten smaller, but I bet those who continue to celebrate make up for that with more zest per person!
That torrone looks really really yummy for a girl like me with a sweet tooth. Actually, ALL my teeth are sweet.
Love presentation of colorful pix here too, Gennaro!
Gennaro
@Jannie Funster – Thanks. Love torrone too.