Gigli di Nola - The Craziest Festival Ever! Fantastica.

Giglio means Lily in Italian. A flower that is often used in religious ceremonies as it represents purity. In the Middle Ages a group of Italian women were taken by Moor pirates. They were rescued by San Paolino (now patron saint of Nola), who offered himself as a hostage. The pirates decided to free everyone and the group landed in Torre del Greco. They were welcomed by citizens from Nola carrying lilies. From this episode a whole new ritual was born. People in Nola carry 7 giant Gigli sculptures and a boat through the city, along narrow streets, barely missing balconies, in a 12hour + pageant. One Giglio is carried by abut 120 men. On top the Giglio there is a whole music band, plus electric generator, loudspeakers, people with drums etc. The carriers can get permanent bruises from the gruelling pressure, a big hump on the shoulder, called Pataniello, the small potato, which the display with pride. I followed the Fantastica team around the city, to give everyone and idea of this crazy festival and display of bodily force and devotion. The festival is inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage List.