Danbury San Gennaro Festival Returns Aug. 20 With New Grand Marshal

DANBURY, CT — The Feast of San Gennaro will return to downtown Danbury for its fourth annual celebration from Aug. 20–24, featuring food, music, fireworks, and cultural festivities centered on Italian heritage.

Organizers have named Antonia “Tonina” Chieffalo as the 2025 Grand Marshal. A longtime Danbury resident and member of the Amerigo Vespucci Lodge for 60 years, Chieffalo has held several leadership roles within the organization and represented it at Italian consulates in Hartford and New York. She has received multiple mayoral honors for her service and commitment to preserving Italian culture in the community.

“Tonina has served Danbury and the greater Italian community exceptionally for her entire life,” said organizers from the Galante family. “We’re honored to have her lead this year’s celebration.”

This year’s festival will open with a mass at St. Peter’s Church, followed by a statue blessing and procession down Main Street to Ives Street. Organizers will also remember 2024 Grand Marshal Frank P. Molinaro, who died in February.

Festival highlights include Italian cuisine, carnival rides, daytime performances by traditional Italian singers, and evening concerts featuring bands such as The Zoo, Beyond Purple, AC/DC tribute Back in Black, and classic rock band Not Sorry. Fireworks and 1980s-themed laser shows will return courtesy of 11th Hour Productions.

Vendor details are available online here.