Giglio Feasts - USA

Feast Dignitaries & Hierarchy

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The orchestration of the events of Dancing the Giglio requires the strict coordination of a number of special feast dignitaries. These very important people are appointed in a hierarchy or chain of command that illustrate their level of importance as well as job responsibility.

Capo-Paranza
To be appointed a Capo in any Giglio feast is the highest acknowledgement and honor that can be bestowed upon an individual. The term Capo in Italian translates into 'the Head of' and Paranza translates into 'the Lifters', therefore a Capo-Paranza translates into 'the Head of the Lifters'. A position that commands the utmost respect in a Giglio feast and one that just about every Giglio Junkie aspires to become one day. With in the ranks of Capos are designations that distinguish the line of order. The Number 1 Capo is the senior most Capo in the feast, followed by the No.2 , the No.3 and so on. It is important to note that age does not necessarily play a part in the Capo ordering but more a distinction based upon when an appointed took place.

During Giglio Sunday, the Capo has several responsibilities. First, it is the Capo who determines the song or songs to be played for his lift as well as orchestrating how the Giglio will be danced. The Capo is also fully responsible for the well-being of all including the lifters and spectators who come to enjoy the festivities. A Capo needs to be in complete control of his lift and must be fully aware of everything going on while the Giglio is being danced. Capos not partaking in that particular lift, usually provide additional eyes and ears for the Capo in charge.

In addition to the above, several other Capo distinctions exist for various reasons. The first is a Senior Advisor (in some feasts called an Old-time Capo) position that has been created for the most Senior Capo of the Feast to provide guidance, mentoring and leadership to all.

Another position is the Honorary Capo position, given to individuals that have dedicated themselves to the Feast of the Giglio, but were never appointed to a No. 1 Capo position. As an Honorary Capo, one is bestowed all the right an privileges of a Capo except that he will never have the opportunity to become No. 1. This position is usually bestowed upon the more senior statesmen of the feast that have entered their golden years. 

The last position is the Apprentice Capo position, which is awarded to those demonstrating the leadership skills to become a No. 1 Capo in the future. This is the first level Capo position, that is usually appointed to the senior-most Lieutenant.

Lieutenants
The lifting of the Giglio requires the orchestration of over 100 men lifting, moving, turning and dropping all in unison. As the Capo provides the commands to perform these events, a channel needs to exist so that every lifter is kept fully informed of what the Capo is asking them to do. Therefore it is the job of Lieutenant to relay the Capo's commands to the lifters as well as act as an extension of his eyes and ears during the lift . There are 4 Lieutenants positions assigned to each Giglio. Each Lieutenant has responsibility over his corner of the Giglio as well as the members of the crew (30+ Lifters) that lift under him. Usually, one is appointed a Lieutenant after many years of being a Lifter, becoming actively involved in many of the feast activities and demonstrating a positive attitude and devotion to the Giglio feast.

Paranza
All of the above would be meaningless with out the lifters, or Paranza in Italian. Lifting the Giglio requires over 100 men working in unison to form a single cohesive team. With out these courageous and dedicated men, the dancing of the Giglio could not take place. These men are the true unsung heroes of the Giglio Feast. But many who have never lifted, have asked the question what drives a man to lift the Giglio. The answer comes in many forms, over 100 to be more exact. Every lifter does it for their own reason and usually no two responses are a like. It should be noted that until a person experiences the act of lifting the Giglio, answering this question is only superficial. One needs to experience the power that sweeps a lifter off their feet as well as the feeling of Paranza brotherhood knowing that others are counting on you. This overwhelming experience brings a lifter back for year after year. Just try it once and you too will become a Giglio Junkie like some many others!