A century-old tradition in the heart of Little Italy
The San Gennaro Festival is one of New York‘s most authentic and vibrant events in September. Since 1926, this celebration has transformed the streets of Little Italy into a veritable Italian village, combining centuries-old traditions, exceptional gastronomy and a unique festive atmosphere. The 11-day festival honors San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples, and is an unforgettable sensory journey into the heart of Italian-American culture.
The event takes place mainly on Mulberry Street, between Canal Street and Houston Street, creating a magical atmosphere where the aromas of Italian cuisine mingle with the sounds of traditional music and the laughter of families celebrating together.
When and where to enjoy this unique experience
Dates and hours
The San Gennaro Festival is usually held in the third week of September, over 11 consecutive days. In 2025, it will take place from 11 to 21 September. Opening times vary from day to day: from 11am to 11pm on weekdays, and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Opening and closing Sundays feature extended opening hours and special events throughout the day.
Strategic location
The festival takes place on Mulberry Street and its adjacent streets in the historic district of Little Italy. Admission is free, and the nearest metro stations are Canal Street (lines 4, 5, 6, J, N, Q, R, W, Z) and Spring Street (line 6). Its proximity to SoHo, Nolita and Chinatown makes it easy to combine several cultural experiences during your visit.
Culinary highlights
Traditional specialities
Food is at the heart of the festival. The stalls offer grilled Italian sausages with peppers and onions, zeppole (doughnuts sprinkled with powdered sugar), and the famous Sicilian cannoli with fresh ricotta. Don’t miss the arancini (stuffed rice balls), the steaming calzones, and the authentic pizza al taglio prepared in front of you.
Sweets and desserts
Those with a sweet tooth will discover a taste paradise with crispy sfogliatelle, artisan gelati with unique flavors, and traditional tartufi. Stalls selling torrone (Italian nougat) and homemade biscotti are perfect gourmet souvenirs to take home from your stay to New York.
Entertainment and shows
Religious procession
The highlight of the festival is the solemn procession of the statue of San Gennaro, carried by the faithful through the decorated streets. This moving tradition, accompanied by songs and prayers, offers a truly reflective moment amid the festivities. The statue, adorned with money and jewellery donated by devotees, passes through the district in an atmosphere of great devotion.
Family entertainment
Every evening, free concerts enliven Mulberry Street with traditional and contemporary Italian music groups. Families can enjoy traditional fairground games, street performances and cooking demonstrations by celebrities chefs. Children can take part in workshops to create Venetian masks and learn the Italian language.
Practical tips to make the most of your visit
Visiting strategies
Arrive early in the day (before 2pm) to avoid the crowds and make the most of the stands. Weekends are particularly busy, so opt for weekdays if your schedule allows. Wear comfortable shoes, you’ll be doing a lot of walking on the cobblestone streets of Little Italy.
Budget and logistics
Plan to spend between $30 and $50 per person for a complete culinary experience. Most vendors accept credit cards, but have some cash on hand for the smaller family-run stalls. Local restaurants offer special menus during the festival, with reservations are highly recommended for the more reputable establishments such as Lombardi’s or Ferrara Bakery.
An authentic New York experience
The San Gennaro Festival is much more than just a gastronomic festival: it’s a plunge into the history of Italian immigration to New York and a living testimony to the city’s cultural diversity. This celebration is a chance to discover the warm soul of the Italian-American community and to experience authentic moments of sharing far from the traditional tourist attractions.
In New York in September, this festival transforms Little Italy into an open-air theater where every street tells a story, every stall reveals a tradition, and every smile invites discovery. An unforgettable experience that will enrich your New York stay with a deep and delicious cultural dimension.
Questions about San Gennaro
The San Gennaro Festival will take place from 11 to 21 September 2025, for 11 consecutive days of festivities in the Little Italy district.
No, entry to the festival is completely free. There is a charge for food, drink and games.
- Italian sausages with peppers and onions
- Zeppole (sweet fritters)
- Sicilian cannoli
- Arancini (stuffed rice balls)
- Calzones and pizza al taglio
- Homemadegelato
- Monday to Thursday: 11am to 11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11am to midnight
- Sunday: 11am to 11pm
- Opening day (11 September) and closing day (21 September): extended opening hours with special events
The festival is concentrated on Mulberry Street, between Canal Street and Houston Street, with extensions on Hester Street, Grand Street and Broome Street in the Little Italy district.
Absolutely! There are fairground games, street shows and children’s workshops, and the atmosphere is very family-friendly. Just be careful with pushchairs: the streets can get very crowded.
Photo credit: Phil Davis
