2023 Festa Dei Gigli

NOLA, ITALY - JUNE 25: Men carry a 25-metre tall wood and papier-mache statues called 'giglio' during the annual Festa dei Gigli ('The Lily Festival') on June 25, 2023 in Nola, Naples, Italy. The Festa dei Gigli returns following a 4-year suspension due to the coronavirus outbreak with the last edition taking place back in 2019. The traditional festival commemorates St. Paolini, (355- 431 AD) the bishop of Nola, returning in a boat after freeing the town's men from captivity at the hands of the Saracens, he was welcomed by the population with lilies ('gigli'). To carry the Gigli, about 130 men, called 'paranza,' shoulder one another and walk slowly through the town with the rhythm of music. In 2014 the famous festival became a UNESCO World Heritage site. (Photo by Laura Lezza/Getty Images)