{"id":16671,"date":"2025-08-27T16:03:27","date_gmt":"2025-08-27T16:03:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newyorktour1.com\/blog\/?p=16671"},"modified":"2025-08-27T16:03:27","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T16:03:27","slug":"history-san-gennaro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/history-san-gennaro\/","title":{"rendered":"Experience NYC’s Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But how did it all begin? When does it happen? And what can you see, do, and eat if you go?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

What is the origin of the Feast of San Gennaro?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The tradition of the Feast of San Gennaro began in Naples, Italy, before making its way to the States. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s apron. That money was then donated to the needy in the neighborhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As time went on, the festival grew, until it eventually hit 11 days in length. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When and where is the Feast of San Gennaro?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
Credit: Bill Golladay \/ CC BY-SA<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to do at the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019ll find every kind of pasta you can imagine!). Plus, you\u2019ll see musicians marching up and down the blocks playing traditional tunes while dressed in red, white, and green.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 this is a feast, after all. There\u2019s also plenty of opportunity to dance off some of those cannolis because the music never stops! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also take a spin on the Ferris Wheel to get a bird\u2019s-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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep an eye on the feast website<\/a> for the full event schedule each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

\n\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Tour\n\t\t\t\"man\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExplore three culture-rich neighborhoods in the heart of NYC<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

SoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown Walking Tour<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n

The best Italian food in New York<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not planning to be in the city during September? No problem \u2014 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\u2019s all based on personal preference!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of our favorite restaurants include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n