What special events take place on December 8th for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception?
I will be in Rome on this date and I am unsure what to expect. I figure this will be a special day to be in Rome but I am not sure what to do. Where is a good spot to go or to avoid on this holiday?
Any input would be much appreciated. Thx Robert
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kim,
Posts: 13 | Location: California | Registered: 31 August 2005
Usually on Dec. 8th the Pope makes an appareance at a feast at the Spanish Steps, leaving flowers at the Madonna statue that was done in 19th century when the feast of immaculate conception was instituted.
The vigili del fuoco (firemen) go by early in the morning (I think 8am-ish) and use ladders to place a wreath of flowers on the statue at the top of the column in Piazza Mignanelli, next to Piazza di Spagna. Apparently firemen were instrumental in raising the column (or placing the statue on top, can't remember) in 1857.
The pope the goes by later in the day (4-5pm) for a ceremony.
Expect crowds and security. If I remember correctly, they close the Spagna metro stop during certain hours.
Originally posted by Steph: Expect crowds and security.
Yes! I was in Rome for the feast a few years ago and the area was very crowded, especially south of Piazza del Popolo between Via Del Corso and Via del Babuino. The streets were open to pedestrians and emergency vehicles only (no buses or taxis) so we had to hoof it to the restaurant and back along with crowds of people. It was fun, the crowds were lively and generally pleasant.
ellen
Posts: 2933 | Location: mahwah, new jersey, usa | Registered: 10 December 2003
One "special event" that's probably not of interest to anyone: Dec 8 is traditionally the day my BIL Nino drives from Rome to Emilia-Romagna to stock up on food for the upcoming holidays. He has a few places he always goes, including a restaurant near Bologna for lunch. He buys some specific cheeses, types of sausage, prosciutto, speck, and butter. I can't remember what else.
He'll drop off "our" order in Florence and have dinner there, before heading back to Rome.
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