Throughout the eastern United States, many communities where Italian immigrants originally landed began a tradition of hosting Italian festivals. The celebrations, often fundraisers for the local church or other organizations, often include rides, games of skill and, naturally, delicious food.

New York’s most famous celebration is the Feast of San Gennaro, which was first celebrated in the US in September 1926. It started when immigrants from Naples gathered along Mulberry Street in Manhattan’s Little Italy section to continue a traditional celebration of Saint Januarius, the Patron Saint of Naples.