Each July, a remarkable ritual takes place in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn: 125 men carry a five-ton, five-story, hand-sculpted tower and a 15-piece brass band — on their shoulders — and dance the 65-foot-high monument through the streets in tempo to joyous Italian folk songs.
For more than 300 years in Italy, and more than a century in Brooklyn, this glorious ritual known as “The Dance of the Giglio” has been celebrated each summer with unbridled passion and devotion.
This year, the street festival will take place July 9-20. The actual “Dancing of the Giglio” will take place at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Havemeyer and North Eighth streets; the grand procession of the Giglio and the accompanying boat is on July 13 at 1 p.m.; the Giglio will also dance through the streets July 17 at 8 p.m. and July 20 at 2 p.m.
In addition to the Italian street fair, rides, parades, nightly entertainment, and, of course, the Giglio, special tickets stage shows will be held July 10 at 7:30 p.m. featuring singer Michael Amante and comedian and impressionist Sal Richards.
On July 18, at 7:30 p.m., enjoy a musical extravaganza starring Felix Cavaliere and the New Rascals, The Dupress and J. Frank Wilson’s Cavaliers. Call for ticket prices.
For more about the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and the Dance of the Giglio, call 718-384-0223 or www.olmcfeast.com.
