Feast of San Gennaro

Little Italy comes alive with lights, carnival booths and food stalls during this celebration of Italian American culture. Named for San Gennaro of Naples—a martyred bishop who was said to be burned alive in a furnace only to emerge unscathed—the festival started as a daylong block party in 1926. Now it spans 11 days and takes over 11 blocks of Mulberry Street. Look on as contestants participate in various eating contests (meatballs, pizza, cannoli) and take part yourself by dining on such treats or the sweet and crispy fried doughnuts known as zeppole.