Plan on heading to the Feast of San Gennaro? San Gennaro NYC 2017 is the 21st presentation of the 11-day event by Figli di San Gennaro, Inc. (Children of San Gennaro), “a not-for-profit community organization dedicated to keeping alive the spirit and faith of the early Italian immigrants,” according to the website.
“This Feast of San Gennaro holds a special place in the place of Italian people everywhere,” President of Figli di San Gennaro, Inc. Joseph Mattone said. “It is a festive period of faith and redemption, a time for remembrance and reconciliation, and a time for celebration.
“The delicious food, the free musical entertainment that reflects Italian-American culture and heritage are all there. The Feast brings the world to Little Italy and Little Italy to the world.”
More than a million people attend the festival each year. Interested in a cannoli-eating competition? Here is what you need to know about the Feast of San Gennaro.
When is San Gennaro NYC 2017?
San Gennaro NYC 2017 began Thursday, Sept. 14 and runs through Sept. 24. The official opening day is Friday, Sept. 15 — the day of the annual cannoli-eating contest. The Feast of San Gennaro opens every day at 11:30 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and closes at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Where is San Gennaro NYC 2017?
The feast takes place in Little Italy in Manhattan, running along Mulberry Street, between Canal Street and Houston Street. It covers east to west on Grand Street, between Mott and Baxter Street, and east to west on Hester Street, between Mott and Baxter Streets.
What is the Feast of San Gennaro?
Although technically a religious festival, the event boasts live music, ethnic foods and parades.
The main event is Sept. 19, the official saint day, celebrated by a mass in the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood, 113 Baxter Street, followed by a procession. The statue of San Gennaro is carried from its home through the streets of Little Italy.
On Sept. 23, actor Tony Danza will judge the meatball eating contest. The following day, the annual Feast of San Gennaro Blood Drive with the Red Cross will be held at 268 Mulberry Street (between Prince and Houston).
Check out the list of events here.
