By Katie Vasquez
Preparations are complete for Brooklyn’s annual Our Lady of Mount Carmel Giglio Feast, where an 80-foot handcrafted tower will be lifted by hundreds of men during the beloved Williamsburg tradition.
We got a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations for the annual Our Lady of Mount Carmel Giglio Feast in Williamsburg, where the iconic 80-foot Giglio tower now stands ready for the celebration.
The 12-day feast, which began in 1887, is one of Brooklyn’s most cherished Italian-American traditions and draws thousands of visitors each year.
The towering Giglio is built on an aluminum frame, while its elaborate façade is handcrafted using papier-mâché and Styrofoam. According to Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Annunciation Parish, many of the molds used to create the decorative elements have been in use for decades.
“These molds are 50, 60 years old. Some of them actually came from Nola in Italy,” Msgr. Gigantiello said.
The tower features statues and images of several saints, including St. Paulinus, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Padre Pio.
“The Giglio is 80 feet high and it’s an aluminum base, but the façade is made down here,” Msgr. Gigantiello told Currents News. “I have to say this year’s Giglio is magnificent. It really is.”
Creating the tower is a months-long process led by volunteer builders. Giglio constructor James Nunziata said each year’s design begins with sketches before construction gets underway.
“I come up with a design. I stay home, I wake up early. I get my papers and pencils. I start sketching things,” Nunziata said. “We look at it, kick it around back and forth until we come up with a final plan. Then we get my crew in the room and we start building.”
The feast officially begins July 8, with one of its signature events taking place July 12, when hundreds of men will lift and carry the towering Giglio through the streets of Williamsburg.
Daniel Christopher, who will serve as this year’s Turk, said he is eager to continue a family tradition.
“Absolutely, man. Sunday is one of the best days ever,” Christopher said.
Christopher said following in his father’s footsteps makes the experience especially meaningful.
“I’m super excited. It’s something that I can continue my family tradition, and my dad was actually the Turk in this feast back in ’92, ’93,” he said. “So many years later, it’s amazing to follow those footsteps.”