Between September and October, the Mooca neighborhood hosts the 53rd edition of the annual San Gennaro festival. Established in 1973, the festival brings together faith, entertainment, and philanthropy while preserving the Italian-São Paulo heritage at the San Gennaro Parish.
As a charitable event, 100% of the proceeds raised during the event each year are allocated to social projects linked to the church. A traditional event in the region, the celebration was recognized in 2015 as an expression of national culture through State Law No. 15,205.
Honoring Saint Januarius (San Gennaro in Italian), the Italian festival “ ” combines religion—with Masses and processions in honor of the saint—with culture and cuisine.
As in previous years, the festival is divided into two areas: the street festival, with free admission, and the Cantina San Gennaro, which requires the purchase of tickets.
Free part: the street festival
The outdoor festival takes the form of a street fair on Lins and San Gennaro Streets. This format allows visitors to wander freely among the stalls without being bound by set times, entry, or exit requirements.
Purchases are made using a prepaid card, and you can venture out and sample everything at the stalls serving traditional food. The venue is ideal for those looking to spend less, since you save the cost of the admission ticket.
Paid portion: Cantina San Gennaro
The cantina experience takes place indoors, in the church’s warehouse. By purchasing a ticket—which costs R$ 75 on Saturdays and R$ 50 on Sundays—visitors secure a table reservation.
In addition, you’ll have access to an exclusive program, including live concerts, traditional Italian performances, and the chance to participate in raffles. In fact, the invitation already includes food, with items such as spaghetti, bruschetta, and a slice of pizza.
Children 5 and under are admitted free, and children ages 6 through 12 pay half price.
The Cuisine of the San Gennaro Festival
It is important not only because it is the event’s main attraction but also because it revives tradition in the neighborhood. The cuisine features mainly hearty, comforting dishes, always lovingly associated with “mamas” and their families.
On the menu, get ready to indulge in pasta dishes, fogazza, pizza, polenta, spaghetti, bruschetta, and Calabrian sausage snacks. In addition, the menu features Italian desserts like cannoli and beverages such as wine, soft drinks, and beer.
Be sure to plan to attend!
Generally, the San Gennaro festival takes place in the Mooca neighborhood on weekends from September 5 to October 4, on Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
