TWO OF THE EIGHT 25 METER HIGH WOODEN OBELISKS PICTURED IN NOLA, 2003-06-29 (photo)

Two of eight 25 metre high wooden obelisks, weighing three tonnes each, stand in front of Nola's city hall during a traditional festival in honour of Saint Paolino, June 29,2003. Twenty people climbed onto each platform and each is carried by 140 people. The participants dance and sing to win prizes for the best and most beatiful obelisk. The tradition began 1400 years ago when Saint Paolino saved the small city of Nola, in southern Italy, from Turkish invaders and the people used to throw lilies on the streets to celebrate at end of June. In the 1800's the citizens of Nola changed tradition and started to build the obelisks. REUTERS/Mario Laporta ML