New York City’s iconic Italian-American festival runs September 11–21, honoring tradition with food, music, and cultural celebrations.
The 99th annual Feast of San Gennaro returned to New York City, taking over the neighborhood of Little Italy for 11 days, from Thursday, September 11, 2025, through Sunday, September 21.
The origin of the feast dates back to 1926, when Italian immigrants organized the first celebration in honor of Saint Gennaro, Bishop of Benevento and patron saint of Naples. What began as a single day of religious observance has since grown into an extended festival that now draws visitors from around the world. The expansion to multiple days began in the mid-20th century, as the event’s popularity continued to rise.
Today, the 11-day Feast of San Gennaro is recognized as one of New York City’s most prominent cultural festivals. Restaurants along Mulberry Street extend their seating into the roadway, while dozens of food stands offer staples such as sausage and peppers, pasta, rice balls, fried calamari, zeppoles, and cannolis. The scents fill the air, creating a setting that captures Italian tradition.
Beyond food, the festival also features live entertainment and attractions. A main stage on Grand Street hosts daily [mostly musical] performances from singers, bands, comedians, and more, while carnival-style games, rides, and souvenir stands line Mulberry and side streets. Shoppers can browse vendors selling clothing, sunglasses, watches, handcrafted items, jewelry, and Italian-themed merchandise, adding another layer to the event’s marketplace atmosphere.
The feast has upheld its religious roots. A highlight is the annual procession of the statue of San Gennaro, usually held on the first weekend, which winds through Little Italy as parishioners and visitors gather to observe. This element of the Catholic faith – with Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood located just around the corner at 113 Baxter Street – combined with the cultural and culinary celebrations, is what continues to define the event.
This year, actor-comedian Joe Piscopo served as Grand Marshall, a role that typically leads the parade and proclamation events to help kick off the celebration. Piscopo is best known for his work on Saturday Night Live in the 1980s, where he gained national recognition for his celebrity impressions and comedy sketches, and he has since built a career in film, radio, and live performance.
San Gennaro Feast remains both a tribute to Italian-American heritage and a showcase of the enduring spirit of Little Italy. 2026 would mark a century and a major historical milestone.
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