A New Day For Old San Gennaro

Thick, fragrant sausage still sizzles on the grill and festival-goers still flaunt buttons saying, “Kiss Me Now, I’m Italian,” at the annual feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy.

But the year-round reign of Italians in Little Italy is a distant memory.

The neighborhood has shrunk as Chinatown and Nolita have grown. However, long-time businesses and new vendors are finding ways to keep the festival going and the green flowing.