The Feast of San Gennaro — but without its traditional eating contests this year — kicked off on Thurs., Sept. 14, and runs through Sun., Sept. 24. It’s the 97th installment of the annual Little Italy celebration.
Sunday saw floats and bands at the grand parade, which this year honored Italian Americans in professional baseball. The 2023 grand marshal is actress Kathrine Narducci, who just wrapped up filming a lead role in Barry Levinson’s upcoming feature film “Wise Guys” opposite Robert De Niro. She also portrayed Charmaine Bucco on “The Sopranos.”
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There’s food, drinks, entertainment, games and more at San Gennaro — but, in a change, no eating contests anymore of cannoli, zeppole, meatball and pizza.
According to the New York Post, festival organizers didn’t think the gorge-fests were representative of “Italian culture and heritage.”
“Those contests are good for carnivals and Coney Island,” John Fratta, a San Gennaro committee member and longtime local activist, told the tabloid. “Having these contestants stuffing their faces with cream and sauce is not that pleasant to watch.”
High Mass will be held Tues., Sept. 19, at 6 p.m. at Most Precious Blood Church, at 113 Baxter St., followed by a religious procession through the streets.
The feast celebrates the life of San Gennaro of Naples, the bishop of Benevento, Italy, who was martyred in 305 AD.
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The Neapolitan festival started in 1926 as a one-day community block party but now spans multiple blocks over 11 days.
The event happens mostly along Mulberry Street between Canal and Houston Streets, as well as on Hester Street and Grand Street.
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