The Feast of San Gennaro
Every September, Little Italy NYC is transformed into a multi-block street fair known as the Feast of San Gennaro. Today, of course, the big draw of the Feast of San Gennaro in Manhattan’s Little Italy is the crazy food. We are talking giant sandwiches filled with sausage and peppers, cheesewheel pasta, deep-fried oreo cookies, and the king of Italian pastries – the cannoli. But amid the crowds wearing “Mommy’s Little Meatball” t-shirts while guzzling giant margaritas, is actually a very rich and meaningful history. Why do we celebrate the Feast of San Gennaro? Let’s find out the origins of this Italian street fair in NYC.
What is the Feast of San Gennaro?
The Feast of San Gennaro refers to the feast day of Gennaro, bishop of Benevento. In 303 AD, Diocletian led the persecution of Christians. Since Gennaro was indeed Christian, and tried to hide fellow Christians, he was beheaded. Legend has it that Gennaro didn’t go easily. Some accounts say he was first thrown to wild animals who refused to eat his holy body. Next, Gennaro was thrown into a furnace, but the furnace spit him out. Beheading was a last resort.
The legend of San Gennaro continues. It is said that a woman named Eusebia collected the blood of San Gennaro. The blood solidified. It is currently stored in two sealed Ampoules, and it is said they liquify on the feast day of San Gennaro and also in the presence of some Popes.
San Gennaro is considered the patron saint of Naples, and when the Italian immigrants flocked to New York City towards the beginning of the 20th century, they brought their traditions with them. One of these traditions was the Feast of San Gennaro. The Feast of San Gennaro was first celebrated in New York City in 1926, and since then the celebrations have continued to grow.
When is the Feast of San Gennaro
The Feast of San Gennaro 2025 will take place September 11-21. The official Feast Day of San Gennaro is September 19th, but the celebration is so big, it needs to span ten full days. The San Gennaro festivities will officially take place 11am-11pm September 11-21, 2025. Throughout the celebrations, there will be special events ranging from a Cannoli eating contest to Italian Opera night. Attend a Solemn High Mass celebrating the Patron Saint of Naples September 19, 2025 at 6pm or dance to City Rhythm Orchestra September 23, 2025 at 3pm. There is truly something for everyone at the Feast of San Gennaro. Also, pro tip: The best time to go to The Feast of San Gennaro is earlier in the day, if you want to avoid crowds. Later at night the streets get extremely crowded, and it can feel claustrophobic. Though many people vibe off of that energy, so if that’s you, the best time to visit The Feast of San Gennaro is late at night.
Where is the Feast of San Gennaro
The Feast of San Gennaro is held each year in Manhattan’s Little Italy. The centerpiece of the Feast of San Gennaro is the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood. The Feast takes place officially on Mulberry Street between Calanal and Houston and on Hester between Baxter St. and Centre Market Place. There are entrances and exits at every intersection. The official San Gennaro event calendar will have the exact locations of all the special events.
Come visit NYC’s Little Italy and taste a piece of the rich culture that makes our city great. While you’re there, take tons of photos then share your photos on a Times Square Billboard! We promise the Welcome to Times Square billboard pairs perfectly with cannoli.
For just $150 a day, you can put a photo of your family enjoying San Gennaro on a giant Times Square billboard! It’ll make all your friends back at home jealous and create a memory that will last a lifetime! Visit our website to learn more!