A Patron Saint of Naples
Each year on September 19, Naples honors San Gennaro, known in English as Saint Januarius, the city’s patron saint. Januarius was martyred in the fourth century during the persecutions of Diocletian. Over time, devotion to him became central to Neapolitan identity.
The most famous ritual occurs at Naples Cathedral. Thousands gather to witness the liquefaction of the saint’s blood, an event believed to signal good fortune. This centuries-old practice remains one of Italy’s most enduring traditions, blending faith, culture, and community.
San Gennaro in the United States
San Gennaro’s significance is not limited to Italy. In the United States, the Feast of San Gennaro is a landmark Italian American tradition. New York’s Little Italy first held the event in 1926 as a one-day procession.
Today, the festival stretches for eleven days each September. Mulberry Street fills with food stalls, music, and parades, attracting visitors from across the globe. It remains a vibrant reminder of Italian heritage and immigrant contributions. Learn more about the New York celebration at sangennaronyc.org.
Celebrating with Babà in Brescia
In Italy, San Gennaro is also celebrated through food. Chef Ciro Di Maio, owner of San Ciro in Brescia, honors the day with babà. This rum-soaked sponge cake, introduced to Naples in the eighteenth century, has become a beloved Neapolitan symbol.
“For me, the babà is Naples in sweet form,” Di Maio explains. “Every time I make it, I feel a connection to my homeland, to my roots.” His words highlight how cuisine sustains identity, even when far from Naples.
Tradition and Resilience
Di Maio’s journey mirrors the resilience of Naples itself. Born in Frattamaggiore in 1990, he began working in food service as a teenager. In 2015, he transformed San Ciro into a benchmark for authentic Neapolitan cuisine in northern Italy.
Beyond his restaurant, Di Maio invests in community. He teaches inmates culinary skills and supports students in Naples’ Sanità district. For him, cooking represents redemption as much as tradition. His choice to celebrate San Gennaro with babà is both personal and symbolic.
A Feast Across Borders
As October’s Italian American Heritage Month approaches, San Gennaro offers an important reminder. The feast unites communities across borders, from solemn rites in Naples to festive gatherings in New York. It also lives on through the kitchens of chefs like Ciro Di Maio.
How does your business in Italy or the U.S. celebrate San Gennaro? Let us know—we may feature your story in a 2026 spotlight.
