By Katie Vasquez
WILLIAMSBURG —More than 100 men carried the towering Giglio through the streets of Williamsburg as thousands gathered for the annual “Dancing of the Giglio,” one of New York City’s oldest and most beloved Italian-American religious traditions.
The celebration is part of the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Paulinus, a 139-year-old tradition honoring the return of St. Paulinus to Nola, Italy. Alongside the 72-foot Giglio tower, lifters also carried a symbolic boat through neighborhood streets.
“Welcome to the great feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Paulinus here in Williamsburg,” said Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello. “I call it America’s Parish Feast because it’s a great feast. Every year it’s getting bigger and bigger. We honor our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and we honor Saint Paulinus of Nola.”
The annual feast, considered New York City’s oldest Italian-American feast, draws visitors from across the country who return year after year to celebrate their faith, heritage and family traditions.
Stephen Menna, who has participated as a Giglio lifter for 44 years, said the celebration has deep roots in his family.
“I’m here 44 years. Both my parents are born and raised on this block, and it’s all about tradition and love,” Menna said.
For many visitors, the feast is a lifelong tradition.
Margaret Ponterella said she has attended since she was an infant.
“Since 1961, when I was a baby, since I was a very little girl, but we lived in the neighborhood,” she said. “We didn’t stay all day. We used to walk back and forth all day long. It was great.”
Annette Bergamo, 92, said her family’s connection to the feast dates back decades.
“My father came from Italy and he loved the Giglio,” Bergamo said. “We’ve been coming for about 80 years.”
As the towering structure moves through the streets, commands are shouted in a Neapolitan dialect to coordinate the lifters’ movements.
Neil Dellamonica, a Giglio lift lieutenant, explained the meaning behind the traditional commands.
“It’s basically four different commands,” Dellamonica said. “‘Guagliu” is like you’re calling the men. ‘Aizate ‘e Spalle!’ tells them to stand up straight and get their shoulders set. ‘Cuonci Cuonci!’ is asking if they’re ready. ‘Aghiett!’ means throw it off your shoulder. Lift’s over.”
Beyond the spectacle, organizers say the feast continues to strengthen the parish and preserve Italian-American traditions that have endured for generations.
“It does have a special place in my heart,” Dellamonica said. “However, it does keep our parish going. It does keep our community going. It keeps everybody together.”
Gigantiello said the celebration reflects the values that have sustained the community for more than a century.
“It’s a way of expressing our faith, enjoying the values of family, you know, faith and fun,” he said. “It’s all about being human.”