San Gennaro Festival celebrates 98th year in Little Italy, attracts thousands
NEW YORK (PIX11) -- One of the most popular street fairs is underway on Mulberry Street in Manhattan.
The San Gennaro Festival is celebrating its 98th year.
The block party brings thousands of people to Little Italy for the sights, sounds, and food.
The smell of sausage, pizza, and zeppoles fills the air between Canal and Houston Streets.
This block party started in 1926 with immigrants celebrating their Italian heritage and traditions. It honors the patron saint of Naples, Italy.
The 11-day celebration of family and friends features vendors and musical performances.
Anna Armellino from Long Island makes friends with every step.
“I’ve been doing this since I was 11 years old. I’m 84 years old. I never missed a day of the feast. I put money on the saint. Bless my family and all the people around me,” she said.
That’s one of the many traditions for participants. They say prayers at the statue near the southern end of the festivities.
Restaurants in Little Italy invite people to sit and dine and to watch the people go by.
The parade of floats is on Saturday, and the mass is on Thursday, September 19th, at the Church of the Most Precious Blood.