Giglio Fest in East Harlem- August 5th-August 8th !

Lots happening in East Harlem ! Giglio Feast coming up first weekend in August !

East Harlem has been in the news a lot lately, it is home to Manhattan’s first Costco AND Target at East River Plaza, on 116th street off of Pleasant Avenue. It also has a very interesting and varied history.

The neighborhood is also home to Patsy’s ,on 117th and First Avenue, and the (in)famous Rao’s is on the corner of 114th and Pleasant Avenue.

Pleasant Avenue runs north-south from 114th street until 120th street ,in East Harlem, its located east of First Avenue. It is actually the northern most segment of Avenue A-which has many sections that have since been renamed (Asser Levy Place , Sutton Place, York Avenue, and Pleasant Avenue were all at some point known as “Avenue A” ) .

East Harlem was once known as Italian Harlem-as it was home to a large Italian population –which then shifted to people of mostly Spanish descent-one of many reasons it is now colloquially called Spanish Harlem (has also been known as El Barrio to many, as a result of the large Puerto Rican population).Interesting tidbit-Al Pacino was born in “Italian Harlem”, and moved to the Bronx when he was two –he also attended the High School of Performing Arts (part of Fiorello H LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts) ,which incidentally Robert DeNiro also attended.

Every year, everyone always speaks of the San Gennaro feast in Little Italy ,which I do enjoy going too –but did you know that there is also the Giglio di Sant’ Antonio Feast. This year it takes place Thursday August 5th- Sunday August 8th .  Check out their website for more info : www.eastharlemgiglio.com on the dates of the festival and any specific times for entertainment. (I have to admit, I always enjoy going to street fairs, especially when I can *easily* walk to and from them -one of the awesome parts about being in New York City, is that so much is easily accessible, whether in your immediate neighborhood or a short bus or train ride away !)

It’s a great chance to check out a little pocket of Manhattan many people sometimes forgets exists, there’s food and entertainment throughout the festival-it’s the last instance of the festival honoring Sant’ Antonio before returning to Italy.

Definitely a worthwhile detour if you’re in the area to check out the new stores at East River Plaza. Have fun and enjoy !

Posted via email from Nicole Beauchamp Team, Your NYC Real Estate Resource