BERKELEY – Parts of Little Italy in New York City were clogged with a parade and tourists, but if you wanted to enjoy the Feast of San Gennaro, you only had to drive to Bayville.
Veterans Park was full of people enjoying good food and good music. In keeping with the theme, you could find Italian ice and Italian sausage. A ring of vendors offered Italian specialties like zeppoles, pizza and meatball subs, but there was also cheesesteaks served in soft pretzel buns, empanadas and more. Like many of the concerts in the park, local nonprofits also cooked up food as a fundraiser, offering such things as funnel cakes and chicken fingers.
Mixed in with the food vendors were crafters and small businesses showcasing their wares.
All of this surrounded a crowd set up at tables and picnic spots, enjoying their food before the entertainment took the stage.
Slap Happy played classic rock hits, opening for Garden State Groove.
It was an anniversary year for a number of reasons. Berkeley Township turns 150 this year, so this Founder’s Day was something special. It was Berkeley’s first San Gennaro Festival, inspired by the New York City one that will turn 100 in 2026.
According to the New York festival’s website, Saint Gennaro was Bishop of Benevento, Italy. He died a martyr on September 19, 305 AD. While being tortured, he refused to disavow his loyalty to Christ.
This is why a religious leader spoke to the crowd in Berkeley about modern stories of people feeling they have to hide their Christianity from co-workers.
In 1926, Neapolitans who had settled on Mulberry Street decided to have a one-day block party for their patron saint. This has grown into an 11-day event which stretches throughout the 11 blocks of Little Italy.
