Video:Walking Tour of Little Italy's San Gennaro Festival
with Charli JamesLearn about the history, events, vendors, location and schedule of the annual San Gennaro Festival in New York City's Little Italy neighborhood. Here is more information on the San Gennaro Festival.See Transcript
Transcript:Walking Tour of Little Italy's San Gennaro Festival
The Feast of San Gennaro is the United States' largest outdoor religious festival.
History of Little Italy's San Gennaro Festival
It is held every year in New York City's historic Little Italy neighborhood and celebrates the day the Patron Saint of Naples, San Gennaro, was martyred for the faith. The first feast was held in 1926 when recent Italian immigrants to the city decided to continue the tradition from their homeland. The festival has since grown from a one-day event, to an 11-day celebration held every September.
Attractions at Little Italy's San Gennaro Festival
The Feast of San Gennaro now attracts over 1 million people each year and features food, parades, games, rides and ceremonies. It is a celebration of faith, but also of Italian heritage. Revelers can attend masses, hear live music or watch the famous cannoli-eating competition.
The main event is held every September 19th. Following a mass at the Most Precious Blood Church on Mulberry Street, which is the National Shrine of San Gennaro, a procession winds through the streets of Little Italy, carrying the Statue of San Gennaro.
Location of Little Italy's San Gennaro Festival
The festival takes place on Mulberry Street between Canal and Houston Streets. Activities begin at 11:30am and run until 11pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends. Visit www.sangennaro.org for a list of each year's events. Come visit the San Gennaro Festival and check out the more than 200 vendors, carnival rides, and Italian foods. This famous feast has something for people of all ages.
For even more on events in New York City, visit About.com.