NYC is getting ready to celebrate all things Italian as the Feast of San Gennaro returns this week for its 100th anniversary, bringing multiple days of food, festivities and tradition to the streets of Lower Manhattan.
The annual celebration will run Sept. 17 to 27, 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., with the festival staying open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The fun will resonate throughout Little Italy while celebrating the life and legacy of San Gennaro.
Who is San Gennaro?
San Gennaro was a Bishop of Benevento, Italy. He died a martyr in 305 AD. during the persecution of Christians. According to the feast’s website, Gennaro was arrested after visiting fellow Christians in prison, survived being thrown into a furnace and was ultimately beheaded for refusing to renounce his faith.
Saint Gennaro’s body is preserved in Naples, where he is honored as the city’s patron.
His blood, which is normally solidified, is said to liquefy twice a year — on the first Sunday of May and Sept. 19, the anniversary of his martyrdom.
San Gennaro will forever be known as the patron Saint and protector of Naples, Italy.
History of the San Gennaro Festival
In the early 20th century, Italian immigrants settled on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and each region settled on a different street. The Neapolitans decided to settle on Mulberry Street.
In 1926 it started off as a one-day block party for San Gennaro. It has continued year after year for decades, becoming a New York icon but a world-renowned event: an event that lasts 11 days and stretches throughout the 11 blocks of the Little Italy neighborhood.
In 2026, the festival has become a century-old tradition, attracting millions of people. This year people can expect live music performances, opera night, artists from Naples, lights, rides, games, beautiful sights and of course the food.
What to expect at the San Gennaro Festival this year
Vendors will be present as visitors can expect some classic favorites including pizza, riceballs, fried calamari and sausage and peppers. Classic carnival games have been a staple during the feast.
This year, there are many key events taking place throughout the celebration.
On Sept. 17, Johnny Mandolin will host his 15th year opening the festival. He will have a special guest in Marie Anello and it runs from 6-7:30 p.m..
A Mass celebrating the patron saint of Naples will take place on Sept. 19, from 2-4 p.m..
Opera Night with MORE Opera will make its fourth appearance at the festival on Sept. 21 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
The Grand Procession takes place Sept. 26 from 2-4 p.m., featuring floats, live bands, honoring the armed forces and the statue of San Gennaro. Napoli Expo announced a sponsorship of two artists from Naples for the 100th anniversary of the Feast. Furious Jane, Livio Cori, and Walter Ricci will have live performances on Sept. 26.
Jenna Esposito, “The voice of Little Italy,” will close out the festival on Sept. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m.
The feast is more than just food, entertainment, and traditions. Since 1996, Filgi di San Gennaro has donated over $2 million to charities and organizations to support education, children, seniors, communities, health care, schools and programs.
As the Feast of San Gennaro enters its 100th year, organizers feel it is important to know its origins, traditions, and what the community has done to keep the celebration alive since 1926. This year is another opportunity for those who haven’t experienced the Feast to enjoy a tradition that has been a part of New York City for a century.
More information about the San Gennaro Festival is available at sangennaronyc.org.
