Heavenly Statues Danced at Williamsburg Feast

By QNS Editorial Posted on July 17, 2014

Thousands filled the streets of Williamsburg on Sunday afternoon, July 13, for the annual Dance of the Giglio and Boat during the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church’s annual feast. The heavenly feat of strength pays tribute to St. Paulinus of Nola, who sacrificed himself to save a widow’s only son during an invasion of Italy by North African tribes around 410 A.D. The boat statue commemorates St. Paulinus’ rescue from his captors. Hundreds of men lifted the statues, each of which weighed several tons and carried musicians and priests. Mayor Bill de Blasio (right photo, inset) stopped by the feast and briefly helped his fellow Italian-Americans make their lift. The Our Lady of Mount Carmel feast continues through this Sunday, July 20.

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