There’s no denying the Italian obsession that’s recently taken a hold of our country. Just turn on your TV. You’ll find Jersey Shore, Mob Wives, Real Housewives of New Jersey. Love it or hate it (I personally love it), there’s no way to ignore the influx of Italians.

This weekend I attended what I consider to be the true original of Italian American celebrations–the Feast of San Gennaro. The annual celebration is dedicated to the Patron Saint of Naples, and the first feast in New York City took place in September 1926.

Taking over Mulberry St in the Little Italy section of Manhattan, the Feast of San Gennaro is a whirlwind of Italian food and festivities. There are over 300 street vendors, dishing out homemade, Italian cuisine and Little Italy souvenirs.

This year, I celebrated my Italian heritage with a margherita pizza in one hand and sausage and peppers in the other. Oh, and mozzarella on everything.

Myself and the most Italian of my friends, Jennifer Italia. I kid you not…

Sound appetizing? The Feast of San Gennaro continues through Sunday, September 25.

My advice? Go! (Just try not to eat anything for the two days prior; you’re going to need that room for gelato.)

For More Information: http://www.sangennaro.org