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(Left) This year's giglio facade was made in Nola, Campania. (Right) Detail depicting San Paolino returning a young Christian captive to his mother
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By Giovanni di Napoli
Hundreds gathered in the rain last Monday for the Third Annual Columbus Day Giglio Party in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Hosted by the Giglio Boys Club, members transformed Lorimer Street (between Metropolitan Ave. and Conselyea St.) into a free outdoor party to showcase and celebrate southern Italian culture.
Arriving early, I was a little worried the inclement weather would dampen the celebration, but I was assured the festivities would go on rain or shine. Thankfully, the crowds came, the rain eventually subsided and the party went off without a hitch.
As might be expected, food is an important part of any party and the Giglio Boys pulled out all the stops when it came to feeding their guests. Tray upon tray of delicious southern Italian fare was generously provided, including fresh bocconcini, involtini di melanzane, and a wide variety of pasta dishes. I tried (and loved!) the trippa alla naploetana, oil-marinated diavoletti, capuzzelle and peperoni imbottiti.
In addition to all the wonderful food and music, there was, of course, the dancing of the giglio, a three story tower made with wood and papier-mâché in honor of San Paolino, patron saint of Nola. Dating back to the 4th century AD, the ornate structure is lifted by a hundred men and paraded through the streets with much fanfare.
Most importantly, the celebration was a terrific opportunity for family, friends and neighbors to get together and strengthen our community. It was great to see so many young people take an interest in their heritage, get involved with the preparations and participate in the activities.
Three cheers are in order for the Giglio Boys Club who did a spectacular job organizing the event. I’m grateful for all their hard work and tremendous generosity. Special thanks to Dom Veruzza for inviting us; my friends and I had a great time and we look forward to doing it again next year. Evviva San Paolino!
Hundreds gathered in the rain last Monday for the Third Annual Columbus Day Giglio Party in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Hosted by the Giglio Boys Club, members transformed Lorimer Street (between Metropolitan Ave. and Conselyea St.) into a free outdoor party to showcase and celebrate southern Italian culture.
Arriving early, I was a little worried the inclement weather would dampen the celebration, but I was assured the festivities would go on rain or shine. Thankfully, the crowds came, the rain eventually subsided and the party went off without a hitch.As might be expected, food is an important part of any party and the Giglio Boys pulled out all the stops when it came to feeding their guests. Tray upon tray of delicious southern Italian fare was generously provided, including fresh bocconcini, involtini di melanzane, and a wide variety of pasta dishes. I tried (and loved!) the trippa alla naploetana, oil-marinated diavoletti, capuzzelle and peperoni imbottiti.
In addition to all the wonderful food and music, there was, of course, the dancing of the giglio, a three story tower made with wood and papier-mâché in honor of San Paolino, patron saint of Nola. Dating back to the 4th century AD, the ornate structure is lifted by a hundred men and paraded through the streets with much fanfare.
Most importantly, the celebration was a terrific opportunity for family, friends and neighbors to get together and strengthen our community. It was great to see so many young people take an interest in their heritage, get involved with the preparations and participate in the activities.
Three cheers are in order for the Giglio Boys Club who did a spectacular job organizing the event. I’m grateful for all their hard work and tremendous generosity. Special thanks to Dom Veruzza for inviting us; my friends and I had a great time and we look forward to doing it again next year. Evviva San Paolino!
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(Above and below) Hundreds gathered in the rain to celebrate Columbus Day
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| Beneath a shower of confetti the dance of the giglio begins |
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| Marching down Lorimer Street |
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(Above and below) Revelers enjoy a wide variety of southern Italian dishes
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Capuzzelle di angello was just one of the many delicious delicacies available
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| The boys make it look easy |
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Sonny Consolazio shows his pride
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| Popular with the young, this could be the beginning of a new tradition |
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| Despite the lousy weather, the guys have tons of fun |
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The towering giglio lights the night sky
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