The immigrant families on Mulberry Street who started the feast, a group of cafe owners, erected a small chapel in the street to house the image of their patron Saint. They invited all to partake of their wares, asking the devoted to pin an offering to the ribbon streamers that are hung from the statue’s apron. This money was then distributed to the needy poor of the neighborhood. Over time, the festival expanded into an 11-day street fair organized and run by people outside the neighborhood. It is now an annual celebration of food and drink, and a major tourist attraction.
Like all NYC traditions that can get ridiculously crowded, the San Gennaro Feast was canceled last year due to the pandemic, the first time since 1926 anyone can ever remember that happening. But now through September 26th, the Feast is back in Little Italy with dozens of food vendors lining Mulberry Street from Houston to Canal, as well as all the usual sucker games, cigar-rolling spots, touristy tchotchke sellers, and carnival rides.
As has become custom, in addition to classic San Gennaro fare like zeppoles, bracciole, sausage & peppers, torrone, raw clams, fried Oreos, and plenty of booze, several of the neighborhood’s newer establishments are getting in on the action this year with special feast-only dishes.
Although the Feast of San Gennaro is a celebration of faith (folks tip their hats to the Patron Saint of Naples, Italy) the festive atmosphere, delicious food and colorful processions are what it’s known for. For 11 days, Little Italy is transformed into a red, white and green bash with special guests, live music and a cannoli eating contest.