Feast Of San Gennaro In Little Italy: What You Need To Know

LITTLE ITALY, NY — One of New York City's most famous festivals starts its 11-day run on Thursday, filling Little Italy's streets with free samples, good food and local vendors.

The Feast of San Gennaro is Little Italy's massive annual festival that celebrates the Italian community in new York City as well as the patron saint of Naples.

Where is it? The festival runs along Mulberry Street between Houston and Canal streets. Other arms of the festival spread out along Grand and Hester streets.

When is it? The festival runs from Thursday, Sept. 14 through Sunday, Sept. 24.

What should I do there? The schedule for the festival is pretty packed, and you can view a complete list here. But here are some of the most famous events and vendors that you definitely don't want to miss:

• The festival starts its celebration of Italian food with a cannoli eating competition, which begins at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15.
• The weekend kicks off with a grand procession throughout Little Italy on Saturday.
• You can treat yourself to your very own opera night at the festival, which attracts notable opera singers for a special performance on Monday, Sept. 18.
• On Sept. 23, competitive eaters and meatball enthusiasts can take part in another eating contest. Actor Tony Danza is hosting the second annual meatball eating contest at 1 p.m.

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