If you’ve ever walked down the streets of Little Italy in New York City in September, you’ve probably heard the joyful sounds of Italian music, smelled the scent of fresh cannoli and seen colorful lights strung above your head. That’s because it’s time for the Feast of San Gennaro: a celebration that’s been bringing people together for over 90 years.
Cathedral of Saint Januarius in Naples, Italy
Who Was San Gennaro?
San Gennaro (Saint Januarius) was the patron saint of Naples, Italy. Long ago, he was known for helping and protecting people in times of trouble. Italian immigrants who moved to New York wanted to honor his memory and traditions, so in 1926, they started the first San Gennaro festival in Little Italy.
Little Italy, Manhattan, NYC
What Happens at the Festival?
The Feast of San Gennaro is like stepping into Italy without leaving the U.S. The streets are lined with food stands serving Italian favorites: think cheesy pizza, fried zeppole dusted with powdered sugar, sweet cannoli and savory sausage-and-pepper sandwiches. There are parades, music, games and even cooking contests!
One of the highlights is the procession, where a statue of San Gennaro is carried through the streets, just like they do in Naples. It’s a mix of faith, fun and food that brings the whole community together.
Zeppole
A Great Way to Learn Through Food
At eat2explore, we love the Feast of San Gennaro because it’s more than just delicious; it's a chance to explore Italian culture. When you taste pasta, biscotti or tomato sauce at the festival, you’re enjoying recipes that have been handed down for generations.
You can even recreate the experience at home with our explore ITALY box: make Chicken Milanese, Polpette e Spaghetti and Zuppa di Scarola e Fagioli while listening to Italian music and decorating your table with red, white and green!
Fun Family Ideas Inspired by the Feast
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Try a cannoli-making challenge: See who can fill theirs the neatest (or the messiest!).
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Learn an Italian phrase like Ciao! (hello) or Grazie! (thank you) and use it all day.
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Create your own street festival at home: String up some lights, put on music, and set out small plates of Italian snacks.
The Feast of San Gennaro is proof that you don’t have to travel far to explore the world; sometimes, the world comes to you!
