A guide to Little Italy’s 98th annual Feast of San Gennaro

One of New York City’s most popular street fairs returns to Manhattan’s Little Italy neighborhood this week. The 11-day Feast of San Gennaro began in 1926 as a way for immigrants in New York to maintain the Italian tradition of honoring the patron saint of Naples, Saint Januarius, with a feast every September. While Little Italy has evolved over the last century, shrinking in size from 30 blocks to about nine, the Feast of San Gennaro remains one of the city’s best events of the year. Ahead, get a taste of all things Italian American with our guide to one of the city’s largest street fairs, which takes place September 12 through September 22.

Photo by Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

Starting in the late 19th century, immigrants settled in Lower Manhattan, with communities from various Italian villages putting roots down on different city blocks. According to Walks of New York, Italian Americans made up 17 percent of the city’s population by 1930.

Following World War II, Little Italy residents left the crowded quarters of Manhattan for more spacious digs in Brooklyn, New Jersey, and Staten Island. The neighborhood later became home to a large population of Chinese immigrants after a 1965 federal policy made it easier to migrate to the United States.

As the size of Manhattan’s Little Italy shrunk, with roughly 1,000 residents of Italian ancestry recorded in 2000, a nonprofit was formed to keep the traditions of the old neighborhood alive. Thanks to the Figli di San Gennaro, Inc., which has organized the event since 1996, the Feast of San Gennaro has preserved a significant part of the Italian experience in New York City.

In the beginning, celebrations like the Feast of San Gennaro provided a sense of place and pride for many Italian immigrants in the U.S. What began as a one-day religious event in 1926 has grown into an 11-day festival of food, carnival games, music, and more, attracting both tourists and New Yorkers alike.

Mass & processions:
The 98th annual event begins on September 12 with the Blessing of the Stands at 6 p.m., with a blessing of each vendor along Mulberry Street.

The grand procession kicks off on September 14 at 2 p.m. The 2024 grand marshal is chef and Food Network host Anne Burrell.

On September 19, the solemn high mass honoring the patron Saint of Naples takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. It will be held at the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood at 113 Baxter Street. After mass, there will be a religious procession with the statue of San Gennaro.

Entertainment:

• Johnny Mandolin & Friends take the stage on Sept. 12 at 6 p.m., followed by Eric DeLauro of the Rat Pack Band at 8 p.m.
• Jessa V Quartet is scheduled for September 15 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by Francesca & Theresa at 6 p.m.
• On September 18, enjoy performances from Angelo Venuto and friends
• The Giglio Band play on September 19 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Starting at 5 p.m. on September 20, enjoy music from Ginger Wynn, with special guest Sal “the Voice” Valintinetti, followed by Vanessa Racci
• On September 21 at 7 p.m., Ricky Tinelli will take the stage
• Closing out the festival on September 22 is Eric DeLauro of the Rat Pack Band starting at 11 a.m. and Jenna Esposito from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Photo by Jazz Guy on Flickr

Can’t-miss food vendors, restaurants, & shops of Little Italy:

• Lucy’s Sausage Stand for sausage and peppers
• Caffe Napoli on Mulberry Street
• Mulberry Street Cigars
• Ferrara Bakery & Cafe for Italian nougat candy, torrone
• Umberto’s Clam House for signature clam dish and celebrity sightings

RELATED: 

• The Urban Lens: A walk through the 90th annual Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy
• The Giglio Feast: History, fun facts, and what to expect at this year’s celebration in Brooklyn
• The Italian side of Williamsburg: History, famous joints, and today’s culture

Editor’s note: The original version of this post was published on September 11, 2019, and has since been updated.