The annual Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Williamsburg honors Italian heritage and Catholic faith, continuing traditions for nearly 150 years. The celebration includes the iconic Giglio tower carried by over 100 men. This year, the feast introduces artisanal products and a new book by pastor Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello, reflecting on the event’s history and the dedication of parishioners preserving it. While many old-timers return annually, younger generations also participate, linking current celebrations to those of their ancestors.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel is one of the few parish feasts left in the country that still included the Giglio and the boat. It has been going on for 138 years, and even though many of the old timers have moved away, they always come back. It's part of their heritage. It's part of their faith.
The book highlights the early days of the feast with pictures and captions of people, many of whom have passed on. But if it wasn't for dedication and willingness to keep this alive, the feast would have died like so many other traditions have in this country.
We have people involved today whose great-grandparents carried the Giglio when they first came here.
The Giglio, a 72-foot tower carried through the streets by more than 100 men, remains the centerpiece of the event.
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