NYC In Focus

July 27, 2024

by Howard Weiss

in Documentary Photography, Photography

Brooklyn’s annual Feast of Madonna del Carmine, also known as the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, is a cherished tradition celebrating faith, community, and culture. This year, the event ran from July 25 to July 28, drawing residents and visitors alike to St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish in Mill Basin. However, amidst the vibrant festivities, the celebration also saw moments of disruption, reminding us of the complexities of urban life.

A Celebration of Faith and Community

Rooted in Catholic tradition, the Feast of Madonna del Carmine honors the Virgin Mary as the patroness of the Carmelite Order. The origins of the feast date back to the late 14th century, commemorating the approval of the Carmelite Order’s rule. Over time, the brown scapular became a significant symbol of the Virgin Mary’s protection, uniting communities in faith and devotion.

This year’s feast was no exception. The parish grounds transformed into a lively hub of activity, with Italian music filling the air each evening and families gathering to celebrate their shared heritage. Vendors lined the streets, offering classic festival fare, while children reveled in carnival games and rides under the watchful gaze of St. Bernard’s towering facade.

Tradition Meets Modern Challenges

I attended the feast on July 27, curious to capture the interplay between tradition and the modern challenges faced by communities in bustling urban centers like Brooklyn. While the joyful spirit of the event was undeniable, the atmosphere was tinged with an undercurrent of tension.

Throughout the evening, a visible police presence patrolled the area, a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. However, the celebration was briefly marred by an incident involving an individual allegedly waving a gun. Though no official comment was provided by officers on the scene or the NYPD’s community affairs liaison, the event was momentarily shut down, unsettling attendees.

Conflict in the Shadows of Celebration

Later that evening, I witnessed a commotion near the festival grounds. Officers responded to an altercation involving local children. One child was reportedly injured in the scuffle and transported to a hospital by ambulance. In the aftermath, frustration brewed among residents, particularly when a fence belonging to a nearby homeowner was damaged during the commotion. Officers on-site attributed the damage to local kids, but tensions flared as neighbors voiced concerns about accountability.

Speaking with attendees and residents, I encountered a mix of emotions—frustration over the disruptions, gratitude for the police presence, and a yearning to preserve the spirit of the feast amidst modern-day challenges.

A Reflection on Community Resilience

Despite these moments of tension, the Feast of Madonna del Carmine remains a powerful testament to the resilience of Brooklyn’s communities. Events like these serve as reminders of the importance of unity and the enduring role of tradition in connecting generations.

As I left the festival grounds, the strains of Italian music lingered in the air, and the laughter of children echoed down the streets. These moments, punctuated by the struggles and complexities of city life, speak to the evolving tapestry of Brooklyn—a borough that wears its heritage and challenges with pride.