The San Gennaro Feast in Little Italy: Tradition, Food, and Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks
Every September, the streets of Little Italy in New York City come alive for one of the most iconic festivals in the country — the Feast of San Gennaro. This year, from September 10th through September 22nd, 2025, thousands of people gathered along Mulberry Street to celebrate Italian culture, food, music, and community.
For over 99 years, the Feast of San Gennaro has been more than just an event — it’s a tradition. What began as a small gathering to honor the patron saint of Naples has now become a massive festival that attracts visitors from all over the world. Every year, Little Italy turns into a lively street fair filled with laughter, the aroma of authentic Italian dishes, and a true sense of community.
The Atmosphere on Mulberry Street
During the eleven days of the Feast, Mulberry Street transforms into a food lover’s paradise. Vendors line the streets, offering everything from Italian classics like sausage and peppers, cannoli, zeppoles, and pasta dishes, to creative takes on New York favorites.
Live music fills the air, with local performers and traditional Italian singers keeping the crowd entertained. Families stroll with their kids, couples share late-night desserts, and tourists snap photos of the historic neighborhood decorated with colorful lights, banners, and Italian flags.
The Feast isn’t just about food — it’s about celebrating Italian-American pride. The religious procession honoring San Gennaro remains a centerpiece, blending faith with tradition.
Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks Steals the Show
This year, one of the hottest attractions at the Feast was Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks, making its mark in the heart of Little Italy. Known for its South Philly roots, Skinny Joey’s brought the authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak experience to New York City, and the response was overwhelming.
Festival-goers raved about the quality of the sandwiches — fresh ribeye steak, perfectly melted cheese, grilled onions, and of course, the famous Aversa Bakery rolls that give every bite its authentic flavor.
Lines stretched down the block as people waited to try a Philly favorite without having to leave Manhattan. Even locals admitted that the cheesesteaks stood out among the countless options at the festival. Social media buzzed with photos, reels, and shoutouts from fans, influencers, and even a few celebrities who couldn’t resist stopping by for a bite.
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Celebrity Sightings at the Feast
The San Gennaro Feast always draws big crowds, and this year was no different — with a number of celebrities and well-known personalities stopping by Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks during the festival. From entertainers to athletes, familiar faces joined the line to grab a taste of South Philly in the middle of Little Italy. Their appearances only added to the buzz, with fans snapping photos and sharing the excitement online. (This is a perfect spot to drop in your celebrity photos for even more impact.)
Why the San Gennaro Feast Matters
Events like the San Gennaro Feast are more than just food festivals. They are cultural landmarks that keep history alive. For over a century, the Feast has provided a space for Italian families to share their traditions while welcoming the entire city to join in.
It’s also a major economic driver for local businesses. Restaurants and vendors see an enormous boost in traffic, and it gives up-and-coming food brands like Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks the perfect platform to reach new customers.
Looking Ahead
The Feast of San Gennaro continues to grow year after year, and 2025 was no exception. With a mix of traditional Italian dishes and exciting new vendors, the festival proved once again why it’s one of the most anticipated events in New York City.
And while the Feast may have come to an end, the memories — and the flavors — live on. If you missed the chance to try Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks at the San Gennaro Feast, you can always find them at their home base in South Philadelphia, right near the sports stadiums.
Mark your calendars for next September — because the San Gennaro Feast is an experience you don’t want to miss. And when you go, make sure Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks is your first stop.