The Feast of San Gennaro 2025: A Little Italy Tradition 🍝
- Pidgey Smalls
- Sep 17
- 2 min read
Photography courtesy of Shutterstock
Every September, Mulberry Street in Little Italy turns into a buzzing block party of food, faith, and fun. From September 11–21, 2025, the Feast of San Gennaro returns for its 98th year — bringing together locals, tourists, and anyone who can’t resist a plate of zeppole or a sausage-and-pepper hero.
🎉 The History
The Feast of San Gennaro began in 1926, when newly arrived immigrants from Naples wanted to honor their patron saint, San Gennaro, the Bishop of Benevento. What started as a one-day religious procession has grown into an 11-day street festival that’s now one of NYC’s most iconic annual celebrations.
🍕 What to Expect at the Feast of San Gennaro
For 11 days, Mulberry Street between Canal and Houston fills with:
Food stalls galore — from cannoli to calamari to classic Italian red-sauce favorites.
Religious processions — honoring San Gennaro with a moving parade of faith and tradition.
Live music and entertainment — stages set up along the route keep the energy going all day and night.
Eating contests — yes, the cannoli-eating contest is back. Bring your sweet tooth.
Carnival rides & games — family-friendly fun tucked between the pasta and vino.
🗓 Insider Tips for Visiting
Go hungry. You’ll want to try a little bit of everything — from fried Oreos to artisanal Italian cheeses.
Expect crowds. Weekends get packed, so if you want elbow room, swing by on a weekday afternoon.
Bring cash. Many vendors are cash-only, though ATMs are scattered around.
Stay late. The lights, music, and smells at night make it pure NYC magic.
Bottom line: The Feast of San Gennaro is more than just a street fair — it’s a slice of Italian-American history that keeps Little Italy’s traditions alive. Whether you come for the food, the culture, or just the atmosphere, this is one NYC event you don’t want to miss.
See you on Mulberry Street. 🇮🇹✨
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