Hundreds of enthusiastic spectators crowded onto Havemeyer Street in front of the Shrine Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Sunday, July 9, to witness a Catholic tradition that dates back to 1887 Italy: the hoisting of the seven-story Giglio. Part of the 12-day Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in honor of the Virgin Mary, the Dancing of the Giglio featured over 100 “lifters” carrying the towering, four-ton metal monument and its platform.

The Giglio was adorned with papier-mache angels, small statues, giglio flowers, and was topped by a statue of St. Paulinus, the patron saint of Nova, Italy. Standing on the platform of the Giglio was a 12-piece brass band, a booming singer, and Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello, pastor of the church.