The Lilies of Nola

The Visigoths arrived in Nola in 410 AD. C. Their intentions were to loot what was needed and set fire to what remained of the town. Ponzio Meropio Paolino, revered by the city, offered himself to the barbarians in exchange for the salvation of Nola. He was taken prisoner and for many years everyone lost track of him, but he was not forgotten. On his return, it is said a few years later, he was welcomed by the citizens in a great feast and they brought him the most beautiful lilies as a gift. On June 22 of each year we remember that day and the lilies are still there but made of wood, 25 m high and carried on the shoulders of more than a hundred people. The ceremonial is complex and follows a direction that ends with the undressing and destruction of the lilies themselves. The structures are finely carved according to the Baroque school and represent the eight guilds: gardener, butcher, bettoliere, baker, barco, butcher, shoemaker, blacksmith and tailor. The boat, also carried on the shoulder, represents the return of San Paolino and together with the lilies arrives in the square to receive the Bishop's blessing.