Dance of the Giglio: Keeping the
Message Alive
By David Pambianchi
As Williamsburg experiences a renaissance of music, art and individual
expression, an ever growing community still clings to tradition, remembers
and honors a fourth century act of sacrifice and courage. For 121 years,
Brooklyn Italians have celebrated the Feast of San Paolino di Nola. But
everyone can relate to the message that this memorial celebration
represents. The lesson crosses all ethnic boundaries, and everyone is
invited.
Excerpt: “The story, which is passed on through the generations on
both sides of the Atlantic, is that around 410 AD, North African pirates
overran the town of Nola . In the chaos, Bishop Paolino was able to flee
into the countryside with some of the children. Upon his return, Paolino
learned, from a sobbing widow that many of the young men, her son
included, had been abducted into slavery. Moved to compassion, Paolino
offered himself in exchange for the boy and was ferried off, a prisoner of
the brigands. While in North Africa , word of the courage and self-
sacrifice of Paolino spread and became known to a certain Turkish
sultan. Taken with the tale of altruism, the sultan intervened, negotiating
for the freedom of this holy man. Through the sultan’s efforts, Paolino
and his paesani, were freed.” (A detailed version of the story and Feast
schedule can be found at: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Feast http://www.
olmcfeast.com/main/)
The Williamsburg community continues to celebrate good deeds with
good times through a reenactment of Paulino’s return from slavery. On
Sunday July 13, began the Dance of the Giglio (Dance of Lilies, which
represent purity and innocence), and a replica of his return ship, The
Boat.
While melting street tar removed many a sandal and slipper, July heat not
withstanding, a mass of onlookers await for the exhilarating moment,
comforted by a cool, dry breeze and the anticipation of the spectacle to
come. Street vendors drop their awnings, the road too narrow for the
ceremony ahead. Apartment windows fling open. Easily seen from the
elevated Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, the Giglio Tower stands 72’ tall.
Spectators fill every available space for a close-up view, while children sit
atop their parent’s shoulders. The national anthem, a few
acknowledgments and a blessing, then, the rhythmic clapping starts as
the band begins playing Italian folk music. Amid the waving and bouncing
multitude, the cheers go up “Bravo” as 150 men raise the 4 to 5 ton
tower, brass band, pastor and all. A few blocks away at the other end of
Havemeyer Street , music is heard as The Boat goes up. At intervals, the
lifters (Paranza), turn, drop and raise the immense structures as they
carry them through the crowded streets to meet at a central intersection.
The festival comes complete with amusement rides and musical
entertainment. The smell of sizzling Italian sausages, onions and peppers
waif’s through the air. Vendors line the sidewalks with sugar powdered
zeppoli, fruit covered waffles and funnel cakes, lemonade stands,
souvenirs and more.
The story of Paulino di Nola is worth sharing. Dance of the Giglio, dance
of life, honors character and society. Building these values never fades-
out of fashion, which after 121 years the annual summer festival at “Our
Lady of Mount Carmel ” demonstrates. The message includes family as
we measure ourselves and our society by what we cherish and hold dear,
the ideals and virtues we live by and pass along to our children.
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