Our itinerary had come up trumps, not only had our scheduled day to visit the "Little Italy” area of Manhattan coincided with “The Feast of San Gennaro”, we were bang on cue to witness the street procession later that evening. To be honest I probably would not have had a clue what the event was if not for an episode of “The Sopranos” in which involved a story line based around the fictional “Feast of Elzear“, obviously taking inspiration from the one we were in attendance at.
The celebration in honour of the Patron Saint of Naples has been held annually in New York since 1926.
Centered round the main thoroughfare of Mulberry Street, the whole area is decked out in an abundance of Red, White and Green livery putting it’s Italian origins on display and welcoming all to join in their celebrations.
Centered round the main thoroughfare of Mulberry Street, the whole area is decked out in an abundance of Red, White and Green livery putting it’s Italian origins on display and welcoming all to join in their celebrations.
The streets were a hive of activity, full of stalls selling an array of Italian delicacies such as Zeppole, the extremely moreish Cannoli and of course the famous Italian Gelato. The traditional “Red Sauce” restaurants, so popular with New York tourists, also had the chance to expand their seating capacity by utilising the traffic free streets and all seemed to be enjoying a roaring trade.
Entertainment was aplenty with Old time Italian Crooners and Musicians serenading all, whilst the fun fair rides and arcade side stalls kept kids of all ages amused.
We finally came across the Saint, housed in a shrine in the courtyard of the Most Precious Blood Church in the heart of Little Italy. The colourful Icon on show, allowing all to pay homage and in turn allow their donation to be pinned to the statue.
As the evening wore on crowds began to gather round the entrance to the church where the celebration Mass was taking place. Finally the band started up and the haunting brass accompaniment bellowed out as the iconic symbol descended the steps, the saint being held up high by a group of privileged carriers. The booming bass drum setting the pace as the slow, methodical march began it's journey through the streets of Little Italy. The Ultra busy Canal street traffic grinding to a halt as the ever growing throng of people tailed behind the icon, somehow filtering down to enter the ultra narrow Mulberry Street like water in a funnel.
"The 89th Feast of San Gennaro runs from September 10th to 20th 2015"
