About Us

In September of 2002, some of Los Angeles’ most prominent Italian-American citizens got together and produced the first annual Precious Cheese Feast of San Gennaro Los Angeles, offering three days of enjoyment for the entire family. Just like the 80+ year old New York City tradition, the Precious Cheese Feast of San Gennaro Los Angeles celebrates Italian culture, food and entertainment, and features live music, street performers, strolling musicians, a kid’s corner, and many rides and games. In addition to sampling wine from local wineries and food from some of Los Angeles’ best Italian restaurants, guests are invited to learn recipes from the cooking stage and play bocce ball and bingo with some of Hollywood’s Italian-American celebrities and much more!

The Precious Cheese Feast of San Gennaro Los Angeles is produced by The San Gennaro Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization, established to aid children and families in need in the Los Angeles area. Prima Notte, the star-studded, opening night fundraising gala hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla, offers guests a preview of the weekend festivities, while honoring outstanding members of the community and raising funds for the Foundation.

The mission of The San Gennaro Foundation is to uphold the principles that were established by St. Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples, Italy who worked tirelessly to help people in need. In addition to raising necessary funds, the group seeks to perpetuate cultural identity and solidarity within the Italian-American community and to propagate unity and cooperation among Italian Americans. All events put on by the Foundation are intended to embody the attributes of generosity and goodwill that define the Italian spirit. All are welcome to attend the St. Gennaro Procession and Mass, which takes place during the Feast weekend.

Excerpts from 2007 Tribute Book:

“Some of my fondest childhood memories are those of the Italian feasts we celebrated in Brooklyn and then later, Las Vegas. Nine years ago, my friend Doug DeLuca and I decided that Los Angeles deserved its own San Gennaro feast and we set out to make that happen. Thanks to the efforts and generosity of our many great sponsors and volunteers, the feast has become a much-anticipated and well-loved annual event. But the feast isn’t only about diving headfirst into a sack of zeppoles. It is about coming together to celebrate Italian-American culture and, more importantly, making time for family and friends.”

Jimmy Kimmel
Late Night Talk Show Host, Jimmy Kimmel Live
Chairman, San Gennaro Foundation

“My goal as your president is not only to help us grow, but to ensure that we stay true to the reason we have a feast. First and utmost, is to be proud of and celebrate our Italian culture. With that in mind we must never forget that Saint Gennaro is our spiritual leader and our inspiration. His quality of loyalty and his never-ending works to help the poor should be our goal…By staying loyal to Saint Gennaro’s beliefs, we can make a difference in the world.”

Frankie Competelli
Restaurateur, Frankie’s on Melrose
President, Feast of San Gennaro LA