The Annual Feast of San Gennaro is back in Little Italy this September for 11 days of food and festivities. The Feast celebrates the life of San Gennaro of Naples, Bishop of Benevento, Italy who was martyred in 305 AD.

In 1926, Italian immigrants who had settled on the Lower East Side of Manhattan decided to have a one-day block party for their patron saint and protector of Naples. That tradition continued and expanded year after year, and has now become an iconic New York event that draws in both locals and tourists from around the globe.

The Feast runs from September 15th through September 25th and takes place in Manhattan’s Little Italy neighborhood along Mulberry Street between Canal and Houston Streets.

Visitors will have the opportunity to sample the best Italian cuisine in the city from authentic pizza and gnocchi to gelato and cannolis. Guests can also attend special religious and cultural events like an evening High Mass celebrating San Gennaro, and a free Opera concert.

See below for a list of noteworthy dates and events taking place during the 11-day Feast: 

24th Annual Cannoli Eating Contest: 

September 16th, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Watch contestants make their way through a pile of cream-filled pastries from Ferraro’s Bakery.

The Grand Procession:

September 17th, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Catch floats, celebrities, gondolas, and antique cars at this iconic event.

Solemn High Mass:

September 19th, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Solemn High Mass: Honor the Patron Saint of Naples at the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood.

26th Annual Enrico Caruso Opera Night:

September 20th, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Listen to a free Opera concert celebrating the world-famous Italian tenor, Enrico Caruso.

2nd Annual Pizza Eating Contest:

September 23rd, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Here’s your chance to eat as much pizza as possible as fast as you can.

Musical Tribute to the Armed Forces:

September 24th, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear a moving performance by some of NYC’s finest musicians.

5th Annual Meatball Eating Contest:

September 25th, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Another food-eating contest, this time with an Italian staple: meatballs.

Vocal Tribute to Frank Sinatra:

September 25th 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

A performance showcasing classic tunes from Old Blue Eyes.

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