(Little) Italy in Feast!

The Feast of San Gennaro is an annual event held in the streets of Little Italy that celebrates the life and legacy of San Gennaro, a bishop of Benevento, Italy. 

San Gennaro is a martyr, who was beheaded after he decided to keep following Christianity. His remains are now preserved in Naples, where he is considered the patron saint of the city. 

The feast was first organized in the 20th century when immigrants from Italy decided to take one day in September off to remember their Neapolitan patron and keep the Italian traditions alive  in the US as well. Since then, the Feast of San Gennaro has become an annual event and has been celebrated for almost a hundred years now. 

The feast lasts for 11 days, and this year it is held from September 14 until September 24. This is a great opportunity to get to know Italian culture a little more. Great food, music, a lot of street decorations, and parades will all be waiting for you on the streets of Little Italy. 

There are also a lot of events planned for the feast. Every day is filled with concerts by guest singers, and if you have been thinking about going to a concert, this is your chance! 

I personally loved the atmosphere. All around me were people talking, eating, and laughing. Music was playing everywhere. Each restaurant on the street invited me in for a traditional pasta or a cup of coffee with dessert. It was impossible to say no! 

This event is a must-go for every New Yorker! It is a great way to learn a little bit more about Italian culture and just have fun with your family and friends, trying new cuisine and listening to music. 

Article by Mary Zakharova