Little Italy

LITTLE ITALY

Photo: Thomas Rafael

Little Italy was once the name for a large neighborhood in lower Manhattan, populated by Italian immigrants. As the Italian immigrant population left the area for other boroughs and the suburbs, the neighborhood gradually shrank. Much of the area was absorbed by neighboring Chinatown, as immigrants from a variety of East Asian countries have continued to move into the area. Today, Little Italy refers to just a few streets - Mulberry Street between Broome and Canal Streets - but the flavor remains delightful to old-timers and to tourists alike. The restaurants that line the streets of Little Italy offer the tastes of the Old Country - delicious, authentic pastas, fresh mozzarella, and temptingly beautiful deserts. It's definitely worth a trip, but be sure you come hungry!

The best time to experience the flavor of Little Italy is during the Feast of San Gennaro (the patron saint of Naples, Italy), every September. This street fair lasts for 11 days, and takes place along Mulberry Street between Houston and Canal Streets. The streets close to traffic, restaurants sell their wares, people laugh and dance, play games, and enjoy the parades

Molly O'Neill

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