New York’s City’s largest festival, The Feast of San Gennaro, begins this Thursday, September 13th and runs for 11 days until September 23rd, 2018. This year marks the festival’s 92nd anniversary since it began in 1926, when groups of Italian immigrants settled in what is now known as New York City’s “Little Italy.

The New York City festival, an 11-day salute to the patron saint of Naples, is run by Figli di San Gennaro (Children of San Gennaro), a non-profit organization devoted to preserving the spirit and faith of the early Italian community. More than one-million people from around the world flock to the Feast of San Gennaro to participate in the parades, religious processions, musical performances — and, of course, to chow down on the variety of Italian foods offered. The festival takes place on Mulberry Street from Canal Street up to Houston (along with some extensions along Grand Street and Hester Street). So that you don’t miss out on any of the excitement, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 things Not to Miss at the Feast of San Gennaro:

1. The 21st Annual Cannoli Eating Competition

Image courtesy Figli di San Gennaro

The feast’s 21st annual cannoli eating competition, brought to the festival by Caffe Palermo, begins at 2:00 sharp on September 14th at the stage on Grand and Mott streets. The goal of the contest is simple: to beat out of all the contenders by eating the most cannolis in six minutes flat. Although there is no prize, the winner scores serious gloating rights and a delicious mouthful of Italian sweets.
To sign up for the event, call 212-764-6330 (and make sure to prepare your stomach).