The photos above are from 1955 to 1960 showing the Giglio Festival as celebrated in East Harlem on 116th Street. As one can see, a large group of volunteer men carry a giant, conical, aluminum-frame, papier mache covered, religious artifact on their shoulders down the street, as onlookers make music and merriment. Apparently, this is a tradition more than a millenium old from the old country brought to New York City by Italian immigrants. As these families moved out to the suburbs by the mid-20th century, customs like these started getting lost. Yet the annual multi-day festival returned to East Harlem's Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in 2000 and will carry on again next month. Get a sneak peek on the fun by visiting Williamsburg, Brooklyn's version of the celebration next week. Photos courtesy of eastharlemgiglio.com.
Thanks for these wonderful photos of Italian Harlem, which serve as a poignant reminder as to how NYC neighborhoods can and continue to change. It is fun to walk around East Harlem and notice the remains of Italian Harlem.
ReplyDeleteThe 2009 Dance of the Giglio Feast is the 10th anniversary of its return to East Harlem. It will be held on Pleasant Avenue between 114th and 116th Streets. Opening Night is Thursday—August 6th with entertainment at 8pm by the Brooklyn Keys . Friday night August 7th there will be entertainment at 8pm by Tony Sal and his Doo Wop Revue. Saturday, August 8th will start with a Procession in honor of Sant’ Antonio at Noon. 7 PM will be the Dancing of the Children’s Giglio followed by DJ entertainment by Megan
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Giglio Sunday August 9th will start with a mass for the Paranza at Our Lady of Mount Carmel at 12:30 pm. The Dance of the Giglio di Sant’Antonio will begin at 2:00pm with additional lifts and music by Danny Vecchiano and his Giglio Band, accompanied by Jimmy Alleva, the Giglio Singer. Danny and his band along with Jimmy Alleva have been an integral part of the East Harlem Giglio as well as the Brooklyn Giglio in Williamsburg for many years.
In addition, our Ladies Auxiliary the Giglio Girls will make their appearance with their very own official lift.. Erin Z, Megan Z and Nancee M, Founders/Directors of the Auxiliary say:” Even as little girls, celebrating the Giglio was always a wonderful experience. We watched in awe as our fathers lifted the massive Giglio in honor of St. Anthony. They were overflowing with pride each year as they gathered to “dance the Giglio”. With our society we plan to show our continued support for the Giglio Boys. Our main goal is to follow in the footsteps of our fathers and grandfathers, by helping to keep this tradition alive. Our society is a tribute to them. We hope to make the Giglio Boys of East Harlem just as proud as they have made us through the years.”
Food vendors will be available offering beverages, sausage and peppers, zeppole, steak, shish kabob, seafood and other food items. In addition, Souvenir Tshirts will also be sold (get there early for the shirts go fast). Rides and Games of Chance will also be available for everyone’s enjoyment.
Have you wanted to eat at Rao’s ??? ( www.raos.com ) and can’t get a reservation? Here is your chance. The famous restaurant…a long time Giglio supporter will provide Dinner for 4 on Tuesday September 22, 2009 to the lucky winner of The Giglio Society’s Annual Raffle. Tickets are $10 each. The drawing will be held on Giglio Sunday nite. Winner does not have to be present. All proceeds from the Raffle go directly towards the continuation of the Giglio tradition.
Regarding updates on events sponsored by The Giglio Society of East Harlem go to www.eastharlemgiglio.com For additional feast info call Bob Maida (914) 787 0692 or Email bob631@aol.com
Thanks Bobby. We will keep everyone posted as the event gets closer in the next couple of weeks.
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