Cannoli, carnival lights, and centuries-old customs are converging just off the Strip this week as the San Gennaro Feast celebrates its 46th year in Las Vegas. The five-day festival opened Wednesday, Sept. 30, in the Rio Las Vegas Convention Center parking lot and continues through Sunday, Oct. 4.
Named for the patron saint of Naples, the twice-yearly celebration was most recently held at the M Resort before landing at the Rio for its fall edition. Organizers have packed the grounds with carnival rides and games, arts and crafts, live music, and dozens of vendors serving Italian-American favorites.
Tradition takes center stage Thursday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m., when a traditional Italian procession gets underway. Members of the Knights of Columbus will join local dignitaries for the ceremony, a highlight that connects the modern festival to its religious and cultural roots…