There’s truly no place like Las Vegas when you’re looking to celebrate. Whether you’re celebrating a personal accomplishment or an entire culture’s heritage, Vegas is the place to be! The San Gennaro Feast in Las Vegas is the biggest Italian food festival on this side of the Atlantic.
This festival invites people to gather in honor of the Patron Saint of Naples, Italy, San Gennaro, to celebrate Italian culture and history. Whether you have Italian ties in your own family history or you just want to appreciate cultures from around the globe, this Las Vegas feast makes it fun for the whole family!
History of the San Gennaro Feast
The Las Vegas celebration we know today has a history dating back to the 3rd century. Januarius, also known as San Gennaro, was known for protecting fellow Christians in Italy by helping them hide from those who were against their religious practices.
San Gennaro was eventually caught after visiting Deacons Sosso and Procculo in jail. Once captured, Januarius was faced with extreme torture practices in hopes of swaying him from his strong Christian beliefs. With no wavering in his beliefs, San Gennaro died. Legends say that San Gennaro was first thrown into a furnace for standing by his Christian values but came out unharmed. His death happened just outside of Pozzuoli, Italy.
After his death, a vial of his blood was collected and eventually stored in Naples, Italy. This vial of blood is said to liquefy twice each year. The normally solid blood turns to liquid on the first Sunday of May and September 19th each year. These dates are significant because September 19th is the day he became a martyr, while the first Sunday of May was when his relics were transferred to Naples.
Believers continue to gather in Naples, Italy, each year to watch the blood liquefy. Watching the blood of San Gennaro turn to liquid is said to be an incredibly moving, remarkable experience.
The San Gennaro Feast happens bi-annually on or around those same dates in honor of the Saint and celebrates his Italian Heritage here in the States.
While a fun-filled feast in Las Vegas is not quite the same as seeing the miracles of Saint San Gennaro for yourself, it is a great way to spread the word about Italian history and heritage.
Celebrating Italian Culture in Las Vegas
The San Gennaro Feast in Las Vegas, NV, is filled with activities for people of all ages. Whether you just want to experience authentic Italian cuisine or you’re looking to keep the kids entertained, this Saint Gennaro food and music festival is the place to be!
There are a few reasons this is one of the most popular festivals in Las Vegas. The festival features great food, like authentic Italian sausage that will have your mouth watering, The wide variety of ethnic food alone is reason enough to mark your calendar for the event.
Other attractions that are fun for the whole family include a petting zoo and pony rides, face painters for big and little kids alike, arts & crafts exhibits, amusement rides, live international acts hourly, home exhibits, games, fun, and more. Live entertainment is a big part of the feast each year. Live guests are scheduled to perform on the main concert stage throughout the festival, so there’s never a dull moment.
Las Vegas locals and visitors from around the world alike can enjoy an Italian heritage celebration in honor of the saint right here in the USA!
Tickets & Dates
This year marks the 44th annual San Gennaro feast. It’s being held at the M Resort at 12300 Las Vegas Blvd S, Henderson. The feast is set to take place from September 18-22. This bi-annual celebration is truly the best Italian heritage celebration outside of Italy!
Guests can expect to be surrounded by authentic Italian food, endless opportunities for fun, and a great community of people celebrating Italian heritage together. Whether the 2024 feast is your first San Gennaro celebration or your 44th, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.
Anyone 55″ or taller will be charged $15 to enter, while kids under 54″ tall are free. Seniors and military are $12 each.
The feast aims to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere, and anyone is welcome to join in on the fun! Keep in mind that things are always changing in Las Vegas, which means these prices are subject to change as well.
Tickets can be purchased in-person or online. You can also buy an unlimited ride pass for $32.
Festival Hours
- Wednesday: 4pm-10pm
- Thursday: 4pm-10pm
- Friday: 4pm-11pm
- Saturday: 1pm-11pm
- Sunday: 1pm-11pm
FAQs
What is the San Gennaro Feast?
The San Gennaro Feast is a festival celebrating Italian heritage in honor of Saint San Gennaro. The event includes ethnic food vendors, a petting zoo, face painting, live music, and many more fun activities for the entire family!
Where is the San Gennaro Feast Held?
The venue for the 2024 feast in Las Vegas is the M Resort at 12300 Las Vegas Blvd S, Henderson, NV 89044.
When is the San Gennaro Feast?
The San Gennaro Feast takes place twice each year. In 2024, the dates for the feast are September 18-22.
Who Can Attend the Feast?
Anyone who wants to celebrate Italian heritage can attend! The San Gennaro feast in Las Vegas is a family-friendly event for people of all ages.
How Much Is San Gennaro Las Vegas?
Admission is $15 for anyone over 54″, except for seniors and military, who are $12 each.
The San Gennaro Feast in Las Vegas is an explosion of Italian culture that’s not to be missed. Enjoy endless ethnic food vendors, amusement rides, arts and crafts, entertainment, and more! This year’s festival is sure to outdo festivals in the past. Join locals and visitors from around the world in one of the best festivals held in Las Vegas.
Its so much fun!!!! So happy its back in Las Vegas!!! 🤗
Can I assume that admission is free for seniors?