What to do in New York? A guide to the Feast of San Gennaro
What is the Feast of San Gennaro?
Back in the late 19th century, Italian Americans made up 17 percent of New York City’s population by 1930.
Initially settled in Lower Manhattan, they left the crowded quarters of Manhattan following World War II to find more spacious space in Brooklyn, New Jersey, and on Staten Island. The neighborhood later become Chinatown after a 1965 federal policy that made it easier to migrate to the United States for Chinese citizens.
With its size shrinking, the Feast of San Gennaro has a special significance for the Italian population in New York. It provided a sense of place and pride,
Since 1996, Little Italy is transformed into a red, white and green bash for the occasion with special guests, live music and a cannoli eating contest.
When is the Feast of San Gennaro?
The dates for Feast of San Gennaro 2019 are September 12-22, 2019.
Where is the Feast of San Gennaro?
The Feast of San Gennaro is located along Mulberry Street between Canal and Houston Streets. The festival stage is located on the corner of Grand and Motts Sts and features live entertainment starting at 7:30pm each night.
Mass & Processions
The grand procession starts on September 14th at 2 PM with live music from the Red Mike Festival Band. Interestingly, the grand marshal will be Steve Schirripa who is the actor who played Bobby Baccalieri on The Sopranos.
On September 19th, the solemn high mass honoring the patron Saint of Nables will kick off at 6 PM. It will be held at the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood and will be followed by a religious procession with the statue of San Gennaro.
Entertainment
> La La Brooks & the Crystals perform on September 13 at 7:30 p.m.
> The Red Mike Festival Band performs during the Grand Procession at 2PM on September 14
> Gene Roberts Band performs at 7 PM on September 15
> On September 16 from 7 PM to 9 PM, see the 24th Annual Enrico Caruso Opera Night with Cheryl Warfield, Francesca Caviglia, Marie Anello, and Valerie Chibisova
> On September 17th, The Devotions take the stage at 7:30 PM.
> The Chicklets perform at 7:30 PM on the 18th.
> The Neapolitan Concert will go on the 19th at 2PM.
> Check out Vito & the Elegants at 7:30 PM on September 20th.
> A vocal competition takes place “in honor of the great Italian singers” on September 21 from 2 PM to 5 PM, followed by a show from Just Friends at 7:30 PM.
> Closing out the festival on Sept. 22 is Jimmy Russo & the Flowers at 4 PM, followed by Jenna Esposito at 6:30 PM.
Eating contest
> Cannoli eating contest at 1 PM on September 13th
> Zeppole eating contest on Sept. 18th at 1 PM.
> Meatball eating competition on September 21 at 1 PM.
Where to eat?
> Lucy’s Sausage Stand for sausage and peppers
> Caffe Napoli on Mulberry Street
> Ferrara Bakery & Cafe for Italian nougat candy, torrone
> Umberto’s Clam House for signature clam dish and celebrity sightings
>Alleva Dairy, the country’s oldest cheese store
