Yesterday kicked off the 86th Annual Feast of San Gennaro, a week-and-a-half-long celebration honoring the Patron Saint of Naples held from September 13th through the 23rd. Complete with a cannoli eating contest, dozens of free live performances (held at the intersection of Grand Street and Mott Street, or “the heart of Little Italy”), and countless carnival games to play, San Gennaro is an eclectic and culturally enriching way to spend an afternoon. Although delicious and engaging, the festival is a big tourist attraction, and has proven to be a nuisance to surrounding residents. Our photographer Rachel Kaplan dove headfirst into the festival and returned with a sampling of pictures from the thrills of the first day. More images after the jump.

Photos by Rachel Kaplan.