The 116th annual feast of Our Lady of Mount
Carmel and Saint Paulinus of Nola, otherwise known as the "giglio
festival," kicks off July 9 in Williamsburg.
The festival offers live entertainment, food, parades, a bazaar
with games and children’s rides, but the highlight is the annual
"dancing" of the Giglio and Boat, held this year on
July 13 at 2 pm, July 17 at 7 pm and July 20 at 2 pm. The 4-ton,
handcrafted giglio tower – and a 12-piece brass band – will be
carried through the streets on the shoulders of 130 men.
The boat commemorates the return in the fourth century of St.
Paulinus, the Bishop of Nola, Italy, from captivity. Upon arrival
he was met by joyous townspeople who welcomed him with lilies
(giglio in Italian).
An exhibit of photographs by Larry Racioppo exploring this religious
neighborhood celebration, "O Giglio e Paradiso," can
be viewed at the Safe-T-Gallery, 134 Bayard St. between Manhattan
and Graham avenues in Williamsburg, through July 26. A detail
of Racioppo’s "Sunbather & Giglio" is pictured
at left.
The Italian fest runs through July 20, 7 pm to midnight weekdays,
and 11 am to midnight weekends on the streets surrounding the
church, located at 275 North Eighth St. at Havemeyer Street.
For more information about the giglio festival, call (718) 384-0223.
For the Safe-T-Gallery, call (718) 782-5920.
