Monday, September 18, 2006

Feasting With Saints And Sinners

Yesterday was spent in the Little Italy section of New York City, feasting on homemade Gnocchi, Zeppole, Cannoli, Tiramisu and other delectables offered by the vendors that line the streets during The 79th Annual Feast of San Gennaro. The following information was found on the official San Genarro website:

The beloved Feast of San Gennaro is an annual celebration of the Patron Saint of Naples. The first Feast in New York City took place on September 19, 1926 when newly arrived immigrants from Naples settled along Mulberry Street in the Little Italy section of New York City and decided to continue the tradition they had followed in Italy to celebrate the day in 305 A.D. when Saint Gennaro was martyred for the faith.

Since then, the Feast has grown from a one-day street party to a gala 11-day event. On September 19 during each Feast, a Religious Procession, including the Statue of San Gennaro, winds along the length of Mulberry and Mott Streets, between Canal and Houston Streets. The procession begins immediately following a Celebratory Mass held at the Most Precious Blood Church on Mulberry Street, the National Shrine of San Gennaro.

"Although there is a party atmosphere that permeates the Feast, this is really a religious celebration that has become a proud tradition handed down from our grandparents," a Figli di San Gennaro, Inc. and longtime neighborhood resident says. "For 11 days and nights the streets of Little Italy are filled with happy people of all ethnic and racial backgrounds eating fabulous Italian cuisine, listening to great live entertainment and just having a wonderful time. But there is a religious purpose behind it which is never forgotten, and that becomes evident on September 19th, the Saint's Day."


* Picture of Saint Januarius (San Gennaro) was taken by me. The picture of the sinner was taken by my cousin Rosaria.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

...sensational blog...your Eddie surely gets to get the full Italian experience being with you, lol...brought back some wonderful memories I have with your father at the feast....