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400 Year Festa of San Giorgio Martyr Basilica The Basilica of San Giorgio Martyr in Cuggiono, Italy celebrated 400 years on the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, July 15 & 16, 2006. This event was attended by most or all of the inhabitants of Cuggiono (about 8000) as well as many other visitors. The event had a strong contingency from the United States (about 40), particularly the Herrin, Illinois area, who were descendants of the late 19th and early 20th century emigrants of Cuggiono. The American delegation to the Cuggiono Festivities was treated with the utmost hospitality, and was well received in every respect. The event was emceed by don Franco Roggiani, who has been 'archiprete', or 'arch-priest', in Cuggiono for about 10 years. The central focus of the celebration was the High Mass on Sunday morning which was celebrated by visiting Cardinal Dionigi, archbishop of the Diocese of Milan. The event attracted an enormous crowd, and was standing room only in the Basilica. Con-celebrating the mass with the Cardinal were several additional priests, two from the United States Belleville, Illinois Diocese: Monsignor Ken Shafer and Fr. John Venegoni. There was an open luncheon after the mass in the 'Oratorio', or grade school, with the Cardinal. The luncheon was attended by the entire delegation of Americans as well as many 'Cuggionesi' (citizens of Cuggiono). Another noteworthy event during the celebration was the procession through the streets of Cuggiono on Saturday evening. A marching band led the procession. Closely behind the band was don Franco and several altar boys. The heart of the procession was a group of several men carrying the statue of La Madonna del Carmine, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, which typically stands in an alcove in the Basilica. The procession made a circle through the narrow streets of Cuggiono over a route of at least 2 miles. The path of the procession was lined with candles, additional pictures, side altars, and onlookers from Cuggiono and the surrounding communities. This procession, as well as the overall events of the Festa, clearly gave the impression of a culture that is well connected to its traditions and past. The festivities of Saturday evening culminated at a dance near Villa Annoni which was extremely enthusiastic. The dance was of the style 'ballo liscio', or what is known in America as 'ball room dancing'. This dancing style is apparently very popular in and around Cuggiono, as there were some extraordinary dancers on the floor. The festivities continued late into the night. The 400 year celebration of the Basilica of San Giorgio was an event that will be remembered by many for their entire lives. Italy is a country that has history, tradition, and culture far deeper and with more longevity than what is typically enjoyed on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. The celebration, viewed through the eyes of a foreigner from America, showed no end to fascination and amazement. The experience of the Italian culture, especially in and around an ancestral home such as Cuggiono and with such authenticity and richness of character served to show what many Americans in the current day and age may never know they are missing.