Experience NYC’s Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy

Every September, Little Italy completely transforms into a haven of food, festivities, and fun during the lively Feast of San Gennaro. As a highlight of the city every year, this beloved celebration not only honors the rich history of this famous neighborhood, but pays homage to the cultures and traditions that made Little Italy what it is today. 

But how did it all begin? When does it happen? And what can you see, do, and eat if you go?

As a local tour guide here in New York, I’m here to answer all these questions and more. Let’s get to it!

What is the origin of the Feast of San Gennaro?

The tradition of the Feast of San Gennaro began in Naples, Italy, before making its way to the States. 

Originally a one-day religious ceremony, the event was meant to commemorate Saint Januarius, the Patron Saint of Naples. It was first celebrated in the United States on Sept. 19, 1926, following the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church.

Preserving the beloved traditions of their home country, the Italian immigrants living in Little Italy at the time gathered together on the streets to continue the celebration they had honored for many years back home, thus creating a new tradition in their new country. 

A group of cafe owners erected a small chapel in the street to display the image of Saint Januarius. The immigrant families invited everyone to join in, asking for participants to pin an offering to the ribbon streamers hanging from the statue’s apron. That money was then donated to the needy in the neighborhood.

As time went on, the festival grew, until it eventually hit 11 days in length. 

Nowadays, instead of ribbons and shrines, the street fair offers sausages and street vendors. The big event is the Grand Procession, starting at 2 p.m. on the last Saturday of the feast. 

Following the celebratory Mass in the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood, the procession is lit by candlelight while the statue of San Gennaro is carried from its home in the church through the streets of Little Italy.

When and where is the Feast of San Gennaro?

The Feast of San Gennaro is always held in September. The actual feast day is Sept. 19, so the festival is held in the days surrounding it. This year’s feast will run from Sept. 11-21, 2025, along Mulberry Street between Houston and Canal streets, as well as on Hester Street between Baxter and Centre streets. You’ll also find festivities on Grand Street between Baxter Street and Centre Market Place. 

Things to do at the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy 

There’s so much to do! There will be food, music, singing, dancing, games, and shopping. The streets will be packed with people clamoring for a taste of sweet and savory Italian food (you’ll find every kind of pasta you can imagine!). Plus, you’ll see musicians marching up and down the blocks playing traditional tunes while dressed in red, white, and green.

Grab a bite from one of the street vendors while you people-watch and make your way through Little Italy. Make sure to come hungry — this is a feast, after all. There’s also plenty of opportunity to dance off some of those cannolis because the music never stops! 

You can also take a spin on the Ferris Wheel to get a bird’s-eye view of everything happening. And, of course, you can attend Mass in the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood and watch the Grand Procession on the last Saturday. 

Keep an eye on the feast website for the full event schedule each year.

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The best Italian food in New York

The festival has some amazing food, both from local restaurants who throw open their doors and street vendors there for the occasion. But what if you won’t be in New York in September?

Not planning to be in the city during September? No problem — there are plenty of Italian restaurants with delicious dishes. While many people may think the best Italian food is in Little Italy, a lot of New Yorkers will send you to other neighborhoods to find their favorites. It’s all based on personal preference!

Some of our favorite restaurants include:

• Emilio’s Ballato: This restaurant, in Nolita, is as classic as it comes. It has some of the best red sauce we’ve had in the city. You can’t go wrong with any of the pasta dishes, but I’m partial to the spaghetti and meatballs.
• Supper: Over in the East Village, you’ll find Supper, a cozy Northern Italian spot. They only do dinner during the week (the cacio e pepe is a must), but they offer brunch on weekends. One of the menu options is a chicken cutlet parmigiana sandwich, and it is not to be missed.
• John’s of 12th: Also in the East Village, this spot is a New York staple that has been around for over 100 years. It’s comfort food like your Italian grandma makes, right in the heart of New York City. You can close your eyes and point at anything on the menu and leave with a full (and happy) belly. My favorite is the lasagna!

What else is there to do in Little Italy?

Outside of the food (of which there is plenty) and the festival, there are other things to enjoy in Little Italy. 

You can visit the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood, which is free and located on Baxter Street. This church is dedicated to San Gennaro, so if you didn’t make it to the city for the feast, this spot will give you some of the backstory of what you missed.

You can also get more of Little Italy’s history at the Italian American Museum on Mulberry Street. Typically open to the public only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, this museum is full of exhibits with rich displays of history that tell stories of some of the Italian Americans of New York. 

There are plenty of little shops to pop into to find souvenirs of all kinds (you never know what you’ll find around each corner), and so many photo ops. Don’t leave without snapping a photo under the Little Italy banner that hangs at Hester and Mulberry streets. 

Local tip: No trip to Little Italy is complete without a cannoli. Ferrera’s are the best. You might as well pick up two, because once you finish the first one, you’ll want another!

And, best of all, you can join our SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour to learn about the history and culture of this neighborhood plus two more very different neighborhoods nearby. 

Come visit us in New York

The Feast of San Gennaro is one of many celebrations you’ll find in New York. It seems like every day there’s another party or parade celebrating heritage, history, or otherwise, because New York is a true melting pot of people.

Though September is when the feast is celebrated, New York is a great place to visit year round (and we have all kinds of New York tours you can check out year-round too), so you can easily slot in a trip wherever it suits your schedule. Like Taylor Swift said of this beautiful city: It’s been waiting for you!  

Feature photo credit: Ajay Suresh / CC BY 2.0