Feast of San Gennaro Returns to NYC's Little Italy: Dates, Food, and History

The Feast of San Gennaro is Back in NYC's Little Italy!

The "feast of all feasts" is back for 2024 in NYC's Little Italy, bringing with it a celebration of Italian culture, food, and tradition. Here's everything you need to know about the event:

When is the 2024 Feast of San Gennaro?

The festival kicks off on Thursday, September 12th and runs through Sunday, September 22nd. The Grand Procession, led by Food Network celebrity chef Anne Burrell, will take place on Saturday, September 14th at 2 p.m.

Throughout the 11 days, attendees can enjoy live music, a high mass, and of course, a wide array of delicious Italian food vendors.

For a complete schedule of events, visit the Feast of San Gennaro website.

Where is the Feast of San Gennaro?

The festival takes place annually in the Little Italy neighborhood of Manhattan, spanning 11 blocks. It typically draws millions of visitors to Mulberry Street between Canal and Houston streets.

Festivities will also be held on Hester Street between Baxter and Centre streets, and on Grand between Baxter Street and Centre Market Place.

History of the Feast of San Gennaro

The Feast celebrates the life of Saint Gennaro, the Bishop of Benevento. The celebration began in 1926 as a one-day block party for Neapolitan immigrants who wanted to honor their patron saint.

Over the decades, the festival has grown into an 11-day event, becoming a beloved New York City tradition and a worldwide attraction.

Eugene Donofrio, an Executive Board Member of the Feast, spoke about how his great-grandfather helped start the festival after coming to America. "I feel very proud," Donofrio said. "I was able to continue that tradition from Naples over to Little Italy in New York City in the United Sates." He added, "If we don't pass tradition on, who is going to do it?"

The Feast of San Gennaro is a vibrant and exciting celebration of Italian heritage and culture. With delicious food, live music, and a rich history, it's a must-visit event for locals and tourists alike.