Ciao! Free Annual Events in New York

Date: September 15, 2011 to September 25, 2011
Event: San Gennaro Festival
URL link: http://sangennaro.org

The 85th San Gennaro Festival is New York City's longest-running religious festival. September 19th is the official Saint Day when a celebratory Mass is held in Most Precious Blood Church (109 Mulberry Street), followed by a religious procession in which the Statue of San Gennaro is carried from its permanent home in the church through the streets that comprise Little Italy.

If you're not into the religious aspects, there's plenty of fried foods, carnival games, and a general party atmosphere to occupy your time. Little Italy is one of the oldest neighborhoods in New York City. Although the Italians have mostly disappeared, there are still some excellent Italian restaurants in the area, as well as  trendy boutiques.

Check out nearby Chinatown and Soho for more shopping and food.