The San Gennaro Festival in Little Italy starts on Thursday: What you should know

One of New York City’s most famous festivals is back.

Starting Thursday evening, the Feast of San Gennaro will serve up the best of Manhattan's Little Italy, including popular Italian dishes, cultural attractions, live entertainment and religious processions.

The 11-day street festival began 98 years ago as a modest, one-day event organized by immigrants from Naples who wanted to honor their patron saint, Gennaro, who, according to Catholic belief, died as a martyr in 305 AD during the religious persecution under the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

The party has since expanded considerably, extending well beyond Mulberry Street – where many of the Neapolitans first settled in New York – and encompassing 11 blocks of the Little Italy neighborhood.

The festival begins on Thursday with the blessing of the traders, and religious ceremonies take place throughout the eleven days. But the festival is famous for something that many people find just as sacred: the food.

There are zeppoles, cannoli, Italian sausages, meatballs and more galore. It is, after all, a feast.

It's best to come hungry and ready to throw yourself into the boisterous crowd: according to organizers, this tradition attracts nearly a million people every year.

The famous Grand Procession will take place on Saturday 14th from 2pm to 5pm. A full list of events and performances can be found here.

The Grand Marshall of this year's event is chef Anne Burrell, known as the host of the Food Network's “Worst Cooks in America.”

Many of Little Italy's main streets will remain closed throughout the week, including portions of Mulberry Street, Grand Street and Hester Street. A full list of closures can be found on the New York City Department of Transportation website.