Harlem Bespoke: We have not been to the Giglio Festival in East Harlem for a couple of years so braved the chance of rain in the forecast this past Sunday to visit the former Italian neighborhood on Pleasant Avenue. The festival goes back to 1908 and those who are older know that Harlem's little Italy was one of the largest in the nation up until the 1960s when
Urban Renewal would change everything. Therefore the celebration had a pause for about a 40 years but a group of dedicated activist have been connecting friends an relatives over the past two decades to make sure the tradition was not forgotten.
Lifting of the 6-story religious pillar uniquely constructed in Italy each year was the highlight of the day and started a little after 2:00PM this time around. Thankfully the rain did not arrive until later in the evening and this year's main event was another success for the organizers. Check out our past post for some vintage photos of the Giglio Festival from 1950s and 1960:
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