Brooklyn’s Century-Old Tradition

The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Feast is a longstanding event held annually in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This 12-day celebration, which has taken place for over a century, is rooted in Italian faith and cultural traditions. The event typically occurs each July, with the 2025 dates set from July 9 to July 20. The festivities begin with a procession featuring drums and horns, marking the official start of the celebration.

A notable aspect of the feast is the presence of food vendors offering a variety of Italian dishes. Among them is Lucy Spata, who continues a family tradition that dates back to her grandmother. The menu typically includes items such as sausage and peppers, pork braciole, steak, and grilled chicken, reflecting the culinary heritage of the community.

The feast serves as a way for participants to reconnect with their cultural and familial roots. According to Jamie Gigantiello, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Annunciation Parish, the event provides an opportunity for individuals to revisit the customs and values they experienced growing up, often alongside their parents and grandparents. This connection to the past is seen as an important aspect of the celebration, reinforcing ties to both culture and faith.

The event also highlights the experiences of immigrants in the area. Gigantiello notes that each year brings new arrivals who seek improved opportunities. These individuals contribute to the community by sharing their cultural practices and religious beliefs, while also adapting to life in a new environment.

A central feature of the feast is the procession involving the Giglio, a ceremonial structure that is nearly 80 feet tall and weighs approximately four tons. On the Sunday of the event, 120 men participate in carrying the Giglio through the streets, which is considered a major tradition within the celebration.