Like every year since 2002, Italian Folklore has taken over Hollywood, with the annual San Gennaro Feast. The three day event dedicated to the Patron Saint of Naples is a western style version of the New York City festival, which have been going on for over 80 years. The Italian Feast of San Gennaro brings to one of the most renowned touristic places of LA a little of the old Italy.
The event is organized by the San Gennaro Foundation, a not-for-profit community organization created by Jimmy Kimmel and Douglas De Luca, dedicated to help children and families in need, in the spirit and faith of the early Italian immigrants. The traditional opening night, AKA Prima Notte, serves as a kick off to the festival, but is also the occasion to raise funds for charities and to assign scholarships to student and young Italians of California. Thanks to the initiative, many people in need will receive economic support, and some young students will have the chance to travel to Italy and to connect with their origins.
Ann Potenza, San Gennaro Foundation executive director
The three day street festival is instead less official and much more fun. This folkloristic miniature of Italy seems to be one of the favorite for the locals: many families with children come visit the fair every year. It has to be for the aroma of food and fresh brewed coffee that invades the surrounding streets, or for the relaxing atmosphere that gives everyone the chance to take a brake from the crowd, right behind the corner.
A warm touch to the already homey atmosphere was given by the daily cooking demonstrations and, most of all, by the free espresso coffee served by Medaglia D’Oro. It almost made us forget about the heat that, like a tradition, accompanies the Festival every year.
Despite the weather, so many visited once again the biggest Italian Feast in LA.
You can see it: Americans really love this little corner of Italy.
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