June 12, 2015

A Look at the 2015 Festa di San Cono in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Viva San Cono!
Photos by New York Scugnizzo
Last Sunday (June 7th), my friends and I joined members of the Società di San Cono in Williamsburg, Brooklyn for the Feast of San Cono, patron saint of Teggiano, Salerno. Starting from the society's clubhouse at 231 Ainslie St., the procession meandered through the neighborhood to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, where we celebrated Mass in Italian with Msgr. Joseph P. Calise. 
After Mass, we briefly stopped by a private shrine on Richardson Street (also known as San Cono Strada) devoted to the saint. The owners graciously opened their doors to us so we could visit their beautiful statue and say a prayer. They also generously provided the marchers with cold bottled water and delicious homemade cookies. I enjoyed a mouthwatering anginette, better known as a lemon drop cookie. Following the short rest, we resumed our peaceful stroll back to the club.  
Due to a previous engagement, I couldn’t stay for the after party, so I said my goodbyes and wished everyone well. I want to thank President Rocco Manzolillo and all the members of the San Cono Society for their hard work and giving us this fantastic opportunity to come together and celebrate our faith and culture. I had a terrific time and look forward to celebrating with you again next year. Viva San Cono!
While the men prepare to lift San Cono, ladies look after the putti
To the delight of the expectant crowd,
Teggiano's glorious patron is brought out with much fanfare
The procession makes its way through the neighborhood
Processional float bearing San Cono
Anthony’s Italian American Marching Band
Devotees saunter behind the saint
Ascending the steps of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
A beautiful altar cloth with painting of San Cono
San Cono inside OLMC's Hall of Saints
After Mass, members pose for pictures on the church steps
Leaving Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Father and son celebrate their faith and culture
Along the parade route, we visited a private shrine devoted to San Cono
A good time was had by all
Society youth display the banner
Grand Marshal NYFD Commissioner Daniel Nigro and his beautiful family
Triumphant return to the clubhouse