The Feast of Nola today

One of the highlights of the feast is the first raising of the obelisk from the ground. To perform it are the paranze, or groups of carriers consisting of 120 devotees for each Giglio, also known as cullatori (dressed with the typical uniform of the corporation and with a whistle and castanets). This takes place in each quarter and is directed by the capo-paranza (the head of the group of carriers). Thus begins the march of the ingegni of Nola. The itinerary between the constant lifting up and bringing down of the objects takes them to Piazza Duomo. Here, the Gigli are arranged on the sides of the BarcaThe Barca of Nola is a scenic wooden “machine” which houses inside a dancing Moor (“o Turco” in the local dialect). It is a scenic element designed to portray the ship that would bring back to Nola the saint and his fellow prisoners. The boat parade along with the Gigli on the Sunday following 22 June., four on each side, waiting for the release of Saint Paulinus. When the door of the church is opened, the silver statue of the saint is targeted by clouds of confetti. At this point, however, the feast is interrupted for lunch. The famous parade starts between the narrow and winding streets of the old town, where the paranze will compete based on their skills and endurance. At the end of the procession the Gigli are carried in front of the house of the respective Master of the Feast. The last obelisk, that of the tailors, enters the quarter at dawn the next day. The feast ends, a few days later, with the divesting and the violent destruction of the Gigli.

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