Little Italy has a big celebration ahead. The Feast of San Gennaro returns to Mulberry Street for its 100th anniversary from Thursday, September 17th through Sunday, September 27th. It’s 11 days of food, music, religious traditions, and neighborhood events.
The Feast began as a one-day block party in 1926, created by Neapolitan immigrants who wanted to honor San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples. A century later, that small neighborhood celebration has grown into one of New York City’s best-known annual street festivals.
From a One-Day Block Party to a NYC Tradition
Italian immigrants began settling on Manhattan’s Lower East Side in the early 20th century, with many Neapolitans establishing roots around Mulberry Street. In 1926, they held a one-day celebration for their patron saint and protector.
The Feast continued year after year and eventually expanded to 11 days across several blocks of Little Italy. Today, the celebration also represents the culture and traditions that those early immigrant families brought to New York.
San Gennaro served as Bishop of Benevento, Italy, and died as a martyr in 305 AD during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian. His body is preserved in Naples, where he remains the city’s principal patron. His blood is traditionally said to liquefy twice each year, including on September 19th, the anniversary of his martyrdom.
That date has a special place on the Feast calendar.
Come Hungry to Little Italy
Food is a major part of the Feast. Vendors along Mulberry Street and nearby blocks serve Italian favorites throughout the 11-day celebration.
Expect plenty of sausage and peppers, calamari, pizza, meatballs, cannoli, and zeppole. The festival also hosts its annual eating contests, so visitors can watch competitors take on cannoli, pizza, and meatballs.
And yes, you can absolutely make a meal out of it.
The Religious Traditions Are at the Heart of the Feast
The Feast began as a celebration of San Gennaro, and the religious traditions are central to the annual schedule.
On Saturday, September 19th at 2:00 PM, the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood at 113 Baxter Street will host a Solemn High Mass in honor of the patron saint of Naples. A religious procession with the statue of San Gennaro follows the Mass.
The church itself has a long connection to the Feast and serves as an important part of its religious observance.
The 100th Celebration Gets a Big Finale
The centennial celebration has a particularly busy day on Saturday, September 26th.
The Grand Procession begins at 2:00 PM at 268 Mulberry Street. Floats, celebrities, festival bands, and the statue of San Gennaro will make their way through Little Italy, with a tribute to the Armed Forces included in the day’s festivities. The Grand Marshal is still to be announced.
Then at 7:00 PM, the celebration continues with a special live performance from Naples. Napoli Expo has announced two artists from Italy for the centennial event.
The full daily calendar will have plenty more to explore as the celebration approaches, so check the official Feast of San Gennaro schedule for additional performances, contests, and event times.
For 100 years, the Feast has given Little Italy a reason to celebrate San Gennaro and the Neapolitan traditions that helped make the neighborhood what it is today. The 2026 edition brings that tradition back for its biggest anniversary yet.
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