Little Italy: Beginnings and History

How It Started

Little Italy was formed when the first waves of Italian immigrants came in hopes of a better life and leaving failing agriculture that would lead to famines. While most of the Italians first resided in Lower Manhattan, there were others who moved uptown to East Harlem, creating a larger Italian neighborhood on the wider streets with bigger housing. Ironically named "little" Italy, what is now a stretch of 3 blocks along the famous Mulberry Street, the neighborhood at first was significantly larger than it is today. Originally encompassing a range of nearly 50 blocks, bound north of East Houston street all the way down to chambers. The area originally was a part of the neighborhood of Five Points, an area filled with crime, disease, and large tenement buildings that held many immigrants. The inhabitants of the neighborhood followed the same pattern of living in their home country, with Sicilians, Northen Italians, and the  Genovese separating themselves in different areas throughout the neighborhood.

History

When talking about the history of Little Italy and Italian immigrants, there is one tradition that the people have kept since 1920, the Feast of San Gennaro. Every September the city honors and celebrates the history of the neighborhood along with the culture and traditions that made it what it is today. The tradition started in Naples, where Italians would have a one-day religious event to honor Saint Gennaro, known as the principal patron. This tradition was brought along here starting out as a one-day block party, turning into a now week-long festival in New York City. Filled with events like Mass, musical events, cannoli eating competitions, and a plethora of street vendors. Following mass, the tradition of carrying a statue of Saint Gennaro across the streets of Little Italy from the Most Precious Blood Church remain has remained for years, and really expresses the kept culture of the Italian people.