The Feast of San Gennaro is an annual Italian tradition that has spread around the country to many American cities. Many cities hold their own San Gennaro festivals, and they are always filled with entertainment, music and Italian food. See for me to visit the three best festivals of St. Gennare;
Los Angeles – Late September
I attended Galbani’s Italian Festival of San Gennaro in Los Angeles, which kicked off with a party hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla. The event Los Angeles from Friday 28 September 28-30, in Hollywood just off Hollywood Boulevard. I came last year and had a great time. Kids come up, great music and shows, cold beer, great food.
New York City – Mid-September
New York City in Little Italy presents one of the oldest (86 years) and one of the best San Gennaro Festivals. It’s an 11-day event that virtually shuts down the streets of the Little Italy neighborhood and is just a trip worth experiencing. The 2012 event was September 13-23, and the 2013 festival will be around the same dates. Every day is filled with great music and entertainment and amazing Italian food.
Las Vegas – Early September
The desert resort is getting into the Italian spirit with its six-day event. In 2012, the 33rd annual San Gennaro Festival was held in Las Vegas at the Silverton Casino. This year’s entertainment includes Vegas legend Clint Holmes, along with the cast of “Jersey Boys,” a great show about Frankie Valli and four times. The property includes a huge vendor area with all kinds of Italian dining delights.
History of Saint Gennaro
The event is actually a Catholic religious festival celebrating the life of St. Gennaro, the Patron Saint of Naples, Italy, who died a martyr in 305. In Naples, the Saint is celebrated twice a year on the first Sunday in May and the day before October. September 19, when the worshipers carry the image of the Saint in procession through the streets of Naples. The first Italian immigrants to New York carried on the tradition in the early part of the 20th century, and the event has evolved into a great street festival, party and celebration of Italian culture.
Freddy Sherman is a world traveler and editor of the travel blog travel4people.com. You can follow him on Twitter @thefredsherman
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