A spectacular Italian Festival kicking off July 6th in Brooklyn honoring Saint Paolino has it all: faith, food, music, neighborhood pride, history, colorful cultural celebrations and international visitors. Neapolitan immigrants from Italy settled in Williamsburg long ago and brought a beautiful tradition to the streets of Brooklyn with the first 'Giglio' (Italian for "lily") festival in 1903.

During the 12-day extravaganza, a five-story, spectacular, hand-created tower featuring Saint Paolino's statue and a 12-piece brass band playing on a platform, is carried on the sturdy shoulders of a 125-man platoon through the Williamsburg streets. Music, muscles, parades, artwork, tempting treats, children's rides and Catholic Masses in several languages make up the wide array of activities and attractions during the spectacular Italian festivities - promising a memorable experience for every visitor.

A "Capo" - a very honored gentleman of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish - using a megaphone, calls out orders to the 'lifters" – Forward! Up! Down! Dance! Circulate! – and the immense tower, defying laws of gravity, "dances".

A re-enactment of the Neapolitan St. Paolino's release from captivity includes an ornate, custom-made ship docking with the Giglio tower on the Brooklyn streets, providing a Broadway show caliber spectacle! The great appeal to many, including those who have attended the Giglio for decades, are the Italian-themed souvenirs, the tasty Italian delicacies including seafood, zeppoles and braciola, and kiddie rides for the youngsters.

WHEN: July 6th - July 17th

Wednesday July 6th, 6:00 p.m. Opening Night Mass followed by the Candlelight Procession

Thursday July 7th, 6:00 p.m. Children's Giglio Lift

Friday July 8th, 6:00 p.m. Children's Giglio Lift Rain Date

Saturday July 9th 11:00 a.m. 'Questua' - Distribution of Blessed Bread throughout the Parish neighborhood

Sunday July 10th Giglio Sunday
9:00 a.m. Capo Parade
12 noon Mass in Honor of St. Paulinas/Paolino
2:00 p.m. Dancing of the Giglio & The Boat

Wednesday, July 13, 7:30 p.m. Night Dance of the Giglio

Saturday, July 16: Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Mass Celebrations
12:00 a.m. Midnight Mass in Honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel; Celebrant: Most Rev. Raymond Chappetto;
Followed by: Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Recitation of the Rosary
9:00 a.m. Celebration Mass in English language
11:00 a.m. Celebration Mass in Italian language
1:00 p.m. Celebration Mass in Honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Celebrant: Most Rev. Nicholas DiMarzio - Followed by: Procession of the Statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Throughout the Parish Neighborhood
5:00 p.m. Celebration Mass in English language
6:00 p.m. Celebration Mass in Polish language
7:00 p.m. Celebration Mass in Spanish language
8:00 p.m. Celebration Mass in Creole language

Sunday July 17th, 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Old Timers Giglio
1:00 p.m.: Capo Parade
2:00 p.m.: Dancing of the Giglio/Old Timers "Lift":
9:30 pm: Return of Our Lady's Statue to the Church & Benediction
10:00 p.m. Closing Ceremonies & raffle drawing on Church steps

HOURS: Monday - Friday: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturdays: 6 p.m. to Midnight
Sundays: 12 Noon to 11 p.m.

WHAT: The Feast - 40 years older and second in size to San Gennaro - celebrating the dramatic story of St. Paulinus/San Paolino, will have live, nightly entertainment, vendors selling Italian specialties and international delicacies, parades, a bazaar with games, gifts, souvenirs; children's rides and amusements and the atmosphere and excitement of Italy. The streets of Williamsburg, Brooklyn will come alive as 125 men carry the 80-foot tall, 4-TON 'Giglio' (Italian for Lilies) and the passion of the Old World Italian Street Festival is reborn!

WHERE: 275 North 8th Street at Havemeyer Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn 11211