San Gennaro Festival: Mulberry St between Canal and Houston

I stumbled on the 85th Annual Feast of San Gennaro, New York City’s longest-running, religious outdoor festival in the US (running from September 15, through Sunday, September 25, 2011) randomly today while running errands and doing a little shopping in SoHo. 

Presented annually by Figli di San Gennaro, Inc. (Children of San Gennaro), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving the spirit and faith of the early Italian immigrants, this year’s Feast is expected once again to attract more than one-million people.  This 11 day religious celebration features processions, parades, musical entertainment, cannoli eating contests, and, of course, a carnival like atmosphere provided by the street fair.  Check out their website at San Gennaro Festival for their latest schedule of events.

It is more than the average summer-time street fair.  They have some of the same schlock (e.g., $2 jewelry booths and zeppoles, deep fried funnel cakes and Oreos (see left)).  However, they have some special vendors that are not usually present at other NYC street fairs like pizza and calzone vendors, carnival games where you can try to win stuffed animals, and home baked pies (like the 3 I purchased from Sweet Chef Southern Styles Bakery).

If you have a time to visit Little Italy during the San Gennaro festival, do.  Remember, come hungry or you'll be frustrated! As Rachel Ray would say -- YUMO!