Vivian Catenaccio and niece Natalie Diaz know Mulberry Street better than just about anyone. The street is home to the 11-day Feast of San Gennaro. Their family has been involved in the feast since it began in 1926. Not only that, but they still live right on the block.

"I genuinely think it is the most New York experience that exists on this tiny island of ours," Diaz, who co-owns the La Mela resturant, said.

The family also owns the popular Mulberry Street Bar. All are participating in the 96th Feast of San Gennaro, which pays tribute to the patron saint of Naples. That's where many Italian immigrants came from when they settled in the neighborhood at the turn of the 20th century.

"This is the feast of all feasts. That's what we have called it for years now," said Danny Fratta, whose family has also been here since the beginning.

He runs the Danny on the Corner zeppole stand and Vinny's Nut House, which sells the Italian nougat candy called torrone.

John "Baby John" DeLutro expects to sell a ton of cannoli during the feast at his Caffé Palermo on Mulberry. The favorites? 

"Pistachio and the plain. Everyone loves pistachio," DeLutro, who refers to himself as "The Cannoli King," said.

The feast started as a one-day block party. Now, its an 11-day, 12-block festival.

"This is a great feast, the largest Italian feast in the country, probably in the world," said John Fratta, one of the feast organizers.

His family helped found the event, which is a boon to businesses in the neighborhood.

"Most vendors who are true Mulberry Street residents say, 'we can do another 11 days. As tired as we are, we are ready to do another 11 days,'" Catenaccio said.

"It's a constant celebration and we do live here. My bedroom faces Mulberry Street. Easily, I can get aggravated by it, but you hear the celebration and you can't help but smile," Diaz added.

The feast lasts through Sept. 25.