This past month was my first September living in New York City, and I’d always heard talk of the few days at the end of the month when Little Italy would light up and become a place of celebration. I’m glad to report the festival lived up to my expectations.
About NYC’s Famous Feast
2021 marks the 95th year of the NYC Feast of San Gennaro, or as Italians like to call it, “Christmas in September.” The festival started with a small block party of Italian immigrants on Mulberry Street, and today San Gennaro transforms the entire neighborhood of Little Italy into a jubilee of Italian food and culture. The event was canceled in 2019 due to the pandemic (for the first time in its history), so this year’s festivities felt particularly momentous.
Authentic Italian Food at Your Fingertips
Make no mistake about it, Italian food is the star of this festival! Multiple restaurants offer specialty menus and host eating competitions. Of course, a personal favorite of ours at MRG is Ferrara Bakery & Cafe – the absolute best cannolis in the city! Another vendor you can’t miss is “Danny on the Corner” – the host of the zeppole eating competition. Danny is only “on the corner” during the Feast, meaning I’ll have to wait another year to stop by and grab a treat.
It’s always pizza time at San Gennaro! 
Workers at New York’s Own Johnny Sausage. 
Cannolis from the iconic Ferrara bakery. 
“Danny on the Corner” making his zeppole. 
Gelato under the lights of the festival!
And That’s Not All…
Another highlight of San Gennaro not to be missed is the live music scene. New Yorkers soaked up the last of the summer weather and enjoyed live music while eating outdoors. Exploring the streets of Little Italy during San Gennaro, you’ll find so much more to do. There was even a ferris wheel set up in the street! To close out the festival, there’s The Grand Procession – a huge parade with floats (pictured in the feature image).
I would recommend stopping by the Feast of San Gennaro next time you find yourself in NYC in September. Take the opportunity to eat delicious food from authentic, one-of-a-kind Italian vendors and explore the beautiful and historic neighborhood of New York’s Little Italy.
Learn more about The Festival of San Gennaro here.
