MAHOPAC – The spirit of Italian tradition and Catholic devotion was on full display this weekend as Festa Italiana Del Giglio returned to St. John’s Church in Mahopac. The festival, which concludes today, drew crowds from across the Hudson Valley for a celebration filled with faith, food, music, and a towering symbol of heritage — the Giglio.
A Towering Tradition
The centerpiece of the festival is a hand-made statue known as the Giglio, which measures an astonishing 75 feet tall and weighs nearly 8,000 pounds. This massive wooden and paper-mâché structure is crafted to honor Catholic saints, reflecting centuries-old traditions from Italy that have been passed down through generations.
In one of the festival’s most anticipated events, a group of 100 men will lift and carry the Giglio in a ceremonial procession. The lifting follows a special mass led by church pastor Father Szymon Kurpios, blending the sacred with the celebratory.
Heritage on Display
The Mahopac Giglio Festival is organized by the Giglio Society, a group dedicated to preserving and promoting Catholic and Italian cultural traditions. Giulio Cefaloni, president of the Italian-American Club of Mahopac, explained the deeper meaning behind the celebration.
“Their love and devotion is on display each year during the Annual Italian Festival held throughout Italy when honoring patron saints,” Cefaloni said. “In very much the same fashion as their ancestors did and still do annually, we build a Giglio and dance in the streets.”
For many, the Mahopac festival is not just a community event but a direct link to their heritage. It mirrors the celebrations that take place in Italian towns, particularly Nola and other southern regions, where the Giglio tradition has endured for centuries.
Food, Music, and Community
On Saturday, hundreds of visitors from throughout the Hudson Valley came together at the church grounds to enjoy the festivities. The air was filled with the sound of live music and laughter, while the aroma of Italian specialties carried through the crowd.
Festival-goers sampled a wide variety of foods, from classic sausage and peppers and pizza to pastas, cheeses, and pastries. A trio of sisters, drawing from family recipes, prepared and served traditional Italian desserts that proved to be a hit among attendees.
The festival also featured dancing, live performances, and opportunities for parishioners to receive blessings. Father Kurpios was seen greeting guests, including festival supporter Guido Caiano, and offering prayers to members of the community.
A Celebration of Faith and Family
Beyond its food and entertainment, Festa Italiana Del Giglio is a deeply spiritual event rooted in Catholic devotion. Parishioners gathered for blessings, while families came together to honor shared traditions. The blending of faith and festivity created a unique atmosphere that connected participants to both their church and their cultural history.
Organizers, parishioners, and visitors also gathered in front of the Giglio statue for photographs, underscoring the pride and significance of the towering structure as a community landmark throughout the weekend.
Festival Finale
The celebration concludes today, beginning at 11:30 a.m. and continuing through 9:00 p.m., with the grand highlight being the ceremonial “Dancing of the Giglio.” This event, where the statue is lifted and moved to music by a dedicated team of carriers, symbolizes the unity, strength, and devotion of the community.
For organizers and participants alike, the festival represents far more than a weekend gathering. It stands as a vibrant reminder of cultural heritage, a testament to community spirit, and an enduring tribute to faith.
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