There are many reasons to visit the New York neighborhood of Little Italy. From the history of the neighborhood and the historical points of interest, to the plethora of authentic Italian restaurants, bistros and cafes. This has long been a favorite spot in a city with so many different neighborhoods to choose from. One of the best times to find a small, NY boutique hotel in this neighborhood and to make plans to stay for at least ten days, is during the month of September and the 10 day festival, The Feast of San Gennaro. This is not only the longest festival in the entire city of Manhattan, but the most long running and famous of them as well. 2010 will mark the 83rd Annual Festival, and will donate all of the proceeds, as they have done for the last 13 years, to the Children of San Gennaro, which is a non-profit organization that benefits the well being and the education of the children of Little Italy.
San Gennaro is the patron saint of the Italian city of Naples, and the newly arriving immigrants continued on with this traditional feast upon their arrival to the city beginning in the 1920’s. Originally, this was a one day celebration, but now has become ten days of celebration, religious ceremonies, feast and parades that wind through the neighborhood, along Mulberry and Mott, between Houston and Canal. Once the parade has commenced, everyone attends Mass at the Most Precious Blood Church, which houses the national shrine in honor of San Gennaro. The atmosphere is that of a large party, but it is imbued with the religious traditions of the early immigrants and ancestors.
This is a time when the more than forty of the most famous restaurants in Little Italy literally roll out the red carpet, for those in the neighborhood as well as the many visitors who travel here to celebrate. Along with the fine meals to be found in the restaurants, the streets are filled with food stalls, all set in the decorative banners and colorful flowers, offering food, merchandise and goods. It seems odd to say that this is one of the best times to visit the city, as many times throughout the year can be considered “the best time to visit” the city, however it is a truly wonderful time to experience the traditions and the flavor of the neighborhood of Little Italy.