The Italian immigrants were Roman Catholic and had a great respect for the saints. They often held “feste”, or feasts, to celebrate them. One such feast is the Feast of San Gennaro which honors the patron saint of Naples. This tradition began 87 years ago in 1926 and still happens annually in Little Italy. The feast is put on by the non-profit organization Figli di San Gennaro, Inc. This particular feast has grown from a 1 day celebration to an 11 day one and spans many blocks. It includes traditional Italian food, music, games, and stands selling various items. But as it is really a religious celebration, a mass at Most Precious Blood Church is held along with a procession of the statue of San Gennaro on September 19th, the official Saint’s day.7
Street During San Gennaro Feast Source
Statue of San Gennaro Source
Food Stand at San Gennaro Feast Source
“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.” – Joseph Mattone, President of Figli di San Gennaro, Inc.7
