By Katherine Abayev, Staff Writer
According to the World Population Review, N.Y. is known for having many people of Italian heritage spread out between all five boroughs, Long Island, and even into N.J. This is not surprising when you take into account the history of Italian immigrants, who would come to N.Y. through Ellis Island and settle in lower Manhattan in their newly formed Little Italy. Italian immigrants struggled to make a name for themselves in N.Y., but through hard work and creating a strong community, many were able to break into the lives they had always dreamed of in America.
In 1926, a tradition was born when religious immigrants from Naples decided to honor their saint with a feast. This tradition continued to grow over the years with the feast expanding and more people in the area came together to celebrate. In its 98th year, the celebration is going stronger than ever with many N.Y. residents eager to attend, try Italian food and get to know their neighbors.
The feast spans blocks peppered with different Italian food stands selling cannolis, zeppoles, sandwiches, and more. Additionally, there are restaurants who have opened their outdoor seating so patrons can enjoy the late summer weather, as well as carnival games, music, and much more. It is open in Little Italy from Sept. 12 to the 20.
Third year computer science student Sahil Zakaria expressed some interest in attending the feast.
“I just went to Italy in the summer, the food was great, from the pizza to the gelato, I would love to eat it again,” he said.
Zakaria’s reflection upon his vacation in Italy is symbolic of how many Italian immigrants shared the same longing about their home.This is why it was important to them to create this feast.Those with the same sentiments can come together for a couple of weeks and celebrate their old and their new culture from Italy and N.Y.
Additionally, Long Island resident David Cruz shared that he had gone to the feast a couple of years ago.
“I enjoyed my experience because I went with my friends and we interacted with all of the various types of people at the fair,” he said.
It seems that many people had the same thought as Cruz did and came in large groups.
“It was very crowded. I distinctly remember walking one behind the other in a line with my friends trying to make it to the other side,” he mentioned.
The crowds were ultimately Cruz’s least favorite part of the night. Other than the “overpriced, carnival food,” he made lasting memories with his friends.
While people are coming together for the shared purpose of celebrating The Feast of San Gennaro, it is apparent that every person has a different connection and takeaway to the widely celebrated event. Italians are able to experience and learn about their culture. New Yorkers from all walks of life can also come to explore this festival and make their own lasting memories.
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