This is one of New York's great surviving immigrant traditions: since 1887 the Italian-American community of Williamsburg has hoisted a 70-foot, four-ton tower called the Giglio — brass band riding on top — and danced it through the streets on the shoulders of more than a hundred men. Around the lifts, twelve nights of zeppole stands, sausage-and-pepper smoke, carnival rides and games transform the blocks around the Shrine Church. If you see one only-in-Brooklyn spectacle this month, make it a G
What to expect
A classic saint's-feast midway — food stalls, rides, games and families out late — that erupts when the Giglio moves: lifters in matching shirts heave the tower up in unison while the band on the platform plays and the crowd packs the sidewalks. Lift days are the peak; other nights are a mellower neighborhood carnival.
Good to know
- The Giglio lifts happen on designated feast days — check the schedule and plan around one
- Havemeyer Street and North 8th around the Shrine Church are the heart of the footprint
- Come hungry: zeppole, braciole and sausage-and-peppers are the classic order
- L to Bedford Av or G to Metropolitan Av, then a short walk
- Lift crowds get dense; kids do better at the rides and games on non-lift nights
- Entry to the feast is free — bring cash for food and ride tickets
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Common questions
What is the Giglio?
A roughly 70-foot, four-ton painted tower honoring San Paolino di Nola, lifted and 'danced' through the streets by over a hundred men while a live band plays from its platform — a tradition brought from Italy in the late 1800s.
Is the feast free?
Yes, walking the feast is free. Food, rides and games are pay-as-you-go.
When should I go to see the tower lifted?
Lifts happen on specific feast days rather than nightly, so check the official schedule and time your visit to one of them.
