One of New York City’s best known festivals is back.
Starting Thursday evening, the Feast of San Gennaro will be serving up the best of Manhattan’s Little Italy – including favorite Italian dishes, cultural attractions, live entertainment and religious processions.
The 11-day street festival started 98 years ago as a humble, one-day affair. It was organized by immigrants from Naples who wanted to honor their patron Saint Gennaro, whom Catholics believe died a martyr in 305 A.D. amid religious persecution spearheaded by Roman Emperor Diocletian.
The party has expanded considerably since then, stretching far beyond Mulberry Street – where many of the Neapolitans first settled in New York – and encompassing 11 blocks of the Little Italy neighborhood.
Thursday kicks off the festival with the blessing of the vendors, and religious ceremonies occur throughout the 11 days. But the event is famous for something many people feel is equally sacred: the food.
Zeppoles, cannolis, Italian sausages, meatballs and more abound. It is, after all, a feast.
It’s best to come hungry and ready to brave the boisterous crowds: the tradition attracts close to a million people each year, according to organizers.
The famous Grand Procession is on Saturday the 14th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. A full list of events and performances can be found here.
The Grand Marshall for this year’s event is Chef Anne Burrell, known for hosting Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America.
Many of Little Italy’s main streets will remain closed throughout much of the week, including parts of Mulberry Street, Grand Street and Hester Street. A full list of closures can be found at the New York City Department of Transportation website.