BROOKLYN — It was a heavy lift, but one they were proud to make. For many, it was almost like lifting the weight of the pandemic. The Feast of Our Lady Mount Carmel returned to Brooklyn Sunday, and so did the crowds. 

“Today is a particularly poignant celebration of the feast because we weren't able to celebrate it in full last year during the pandemic, so it's just wonderful. The joy is just thick,” said James Massa, the auxiliary bishop of Brooklyn.

What You Need To Know

  • The Feast of Our Lady Mount Carmel has been held in Brooklyn for more than a century

  • The feast had to be canceled because of the pandemic

  • One main attraction of the event is the lifting of the Giglio, a towering religious statue

The celebration dates back to 1903, when the Williamsburg neighborhood was home to mostly Italian Americans. Just like back then, a mass was held at the church, followed by the lifting the Giglio. The 80-foot tall statue, which weighs four tons and takes 100 men to carry, is a prominent symbol of faith and more than a century of tradition — one that brings even those that have left the neighborhood back every year. 

The celebration dates back to 1903, when the Williamsburg neighborhood was home to mostly Italian-Americans. Just like back then, a mass is held at the church, that is followed by the lifting the Giglio. The nearly 80-foot tall statue is a prominent symbol of faith and more than a century of tradition — one that brings even those that have left the neighborhood back every year. 

Gena Gardini is one of them. 

"Incredibly special and everybody missed it last year, so this is how we grew up, how my parents grew up and their parents grew up. Brooklyn is about family, getting together, seeing our friends, people that we only see once or twice a year, now that we are married and getting older, with kids,” said Gardini. 

"We've been coming here since we were children. I've been coming here since before I could come myself," said Joe Cervo.

And if there is one thing you will find at this feast it is tons of mouthwatering food.

"It's amazing, the people, the interaction, the positivity out here is great. The food is great," said Jasmine Quinones.  

Some say while the pandemic may have canceled the celebration last year, it makes this one mean so much more. 

“’Cause everybody is alive. It just feels great," Maria Guaranaccia said.