Feast of Gigli in Nola 2024

WHERE: Nola, Italy
WHEN: June 30, 2024

Not far from the splendid Naples, in the small town of Nola, a festival of great charm and tradition takes place, in honor of San Paolino, protector of the city. A true celebration of the popular, folkloristic and religious tradition of the whole of Southern Italy!

It is said that in 410 AD, the then bishop Paulinus donated his possessions, and himself, to the Visigoths, in exchange for the liberation of the Nolans, who had been enslaved. When the bishop returned to Nola in 431, by ship, after years of imprisonment, he was welcomed by the inhabitants with flowers (lilies) and escorted to the bishop’s palace.

Hence, the birth of the Feast of Gigli in Nola. An event that generally occurs every year, on Sunday 22 June or the first Sunday following this date. The 2024 edition is an exception, postponed to June 30th to “avoid overlapping the Saturday demonstration of the committees and the procession of the silver bust of San Paolino“.

2013 marked the consecration of this event, with its inclusion in the UNESCO Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. In addition to the reason for the organizers’ pride, it is an excellent excuse not to miss the event.

Photo ©, Michael LoCascio

PRACTICAL INFO

HOW TO GET TO NOLA

Nola is located just over 30 km from Naples. From Naples Capodichino international airport, with the ALIBUS bus (tickets for €5.00 can be purchased directly on the vehicle) you arrive at the Central Railway Station. From the latter, with the Circumvesuviana-EAV trains, NAPLES-BAIANO LINE, you can reach Nola in about 45′. The ticket for a single journey, called TIC NA3, costs €3.30 one way. The frequency of the trips is 30′.

THE GIGLI OF NOLA

The Gigli are wooden structures of fine workmanship, made by local master craftsmen, with decorations in stucco or other materials, according to religious, historical or current themes.

Each takes its name from one of the ancient arts and crafts guilds: Ortolano; Delicatessen; Drinker; Baker; Butcher; Shoemaker; Blacksmith; Tailor.

The 8 obelisks have the base of a cube, approximately 3 meters per side, and a height of 25 meters. They are lifted and maneuvered on the shoulders by 128 individuals, called cradles; the latter together constitute the so-called “paranza”.

In total there are 8 lilies, to which is added a similar but lower structure: the boat; it is a historical reference to the boat with which San Paolino returned to Nola.

THE QUESTUE

As mentioned, the Feast of Gigli in Nola is not limited to Sunday only. In fact, preparations last all year! In this sense, the Questue represent one of the most important events of the event, allowing the Masters of the Feast to collect donations to cover the expenses of their lily.

Before the offerings, the masters (who generally constitute a committee) organized large banquets in the presence of relatives and acquaintances. At the end of the banquet, the mystery begins to go around the tables to collect offerings.

The new festival masters, in order to reduce the costs of the entire event which they are responsible for, sometimes set up a committee, whose members ask for a contribution from local artisans and traders. A banquet is then held to which relatives and friends are invited. At the end of the lunch, the master of the party begins to go around the tables and thanks to those present, he manages to collect a certain sum of money which will allow him to bear the burdens he will have to bear.

Below is the official 2024 calendar of collections/presentations

• Giglio Del Bettoliere Corporation: 17 March
• Giglio Del Salumiere Corporation: 7 April
• Giglio Del Cozolaio Guild: 21 April
• Giglio Del Sarto Corporation: 27 April
• Giglio Del Fabbro Guild: 28 April
• Giglio Del Beccaio Corporation: 5 May
• Boat of San Paolino: 17 May
• Giglio Del Panettiere Corporation: May 25th.