Hat Man

On Orchard Street...

A year later, it feels like yesterday

Where you used to be, there is a hole in the world, which I find myself constantly walking around in the daytime, and falling in at night. I miss you like hell.   

-- Edna St. Vincent Millay



neithermorenorless

New York, New York

I have to say, I've enjoyed the Feast of San Gennaro this year more than any other. Perhaps it's because Little Italy is quickly shrinking into nothingness, so it's a joy to see so many people celebrating New York's Italian heritage.  Or, maybe it's because it's the festival that keeps on going, despite gentrification and criticisms.  Yes, it's loud, smelly, aggressive, chaotic and in your face - isn't that what New York is all about?

Mmm, street meat!



Win a giant Rasta-banana!



You can't go wrong with a treat from Ferrara's...



But, the highlight of the festival was this man and his voice.  This was a tribute to Frank Sinatra on Saturday.



As usual, apologies for the video quality.  Some day, I'll learn how to zoom and focus at the same time...

You can see more photos of San Gennaro, past and present, here.

The Feast of San Gennaro

Today is the opening day of the 86th annual Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy.  I've always loved this event as it's specific to New York and conjures up images of a city culture that's almost forgotten.  Besides, how often do you see a Ferris Wheel on Grand Street?

The festival runs through Sunday, September 23.  And, there will be a parade this Saturday featuring grand marshal Connie Francis.

Here are some scenes from previous years:

Sunday afternoon at Mona's

Bus stop

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thinning the herd...

On Broome Street...