2020 will go down in history as the year of the Pandemic. It has affected everyone’s daily routine throughout the world in unprecedented ways. You must wear a mask, Practice social distancing with no personal contact. You must wash your hands and sanitize everything. Going to Mass and receiving Communion is restricted. No mass gatherings are allowed.
Unfortunately due to our current reality in New York City and New York State we must think of your safety first. The Giglio Society of East Harlem Board of Directors have no choice but to officially announce the postponement of our 2020 Giglio Feast in honor of Sant’ Antonio Di Padua until 2021.
We are beyond sad in making this announcement especially since we obtained a brand new Giglio from Brusciano, Italy which was built to our specifications. It would have been danced for the first time down 115th street co-named ”Giglio Way” lead by Phil Bruno this year’s #1 Capo Paranza. In 1908, Phil’s grandfather Gioacchino Vivolo was East Harlem’s 1st Capo Paranza on 106th street. The Board of Directors and all our members were looking forward to it and imagine it would have been an occasion like no other.
Unfortunately we must all wait until next year for this to take place and hopefully the saying “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” is definitely true. We are looking forward to 2021 and feel God willing; next year’s festival will be the best one yet!
The entire Giglio Society of East Harlem Board of Directors thanks you for understanding. This decision is in the best interest of all our lifters, vendors, and all of the wonderful attendees who come to our festival. We truly can’t wait until next year!
This worldwide pandemic has also affected the Giglio feast in Italy as well. For the first time in recollection, the annual Nola Festa dei Gigli in Italy was postponed until 2021 along with other smaller Giglio festivals in local towns throughout the Naples area – Crispano, Casavatore, Brusciano and Barra to name a few. These annual festivals are attended by thousands of locals and participants from around the globe and will be sorely missed.
Lastly, The Giglio community has suffered a devastating loss of one of its beloved members. Our dear friend and Giglio brother Anthony Prisco passed away unexpectedly at the end of April, an unfortunate victim of Covid-19. Our hearts are broken as Anthony Prisco was a passionate lifelong member who loved the Giglio feast no matter where it was held.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to his wife Debbie and his daughters Jennifer, Jackie and Jessica and their extended families. Also condolences go out to his sisters Karen and Maryann and their families.
May Anthony R.I.P. You will never be forgotten!
Thank You and God Bless! Stay safe.