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Festa de’ Noantri – Procession Along the Tiber River

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Remember Festa de’ Noantri I told you about a few days ago?  It is the festival that dates back to the early 1500’s and takes place in Trastevere each year.  During the festival, which is held in June, a statue of the Virgin Mary is carried in procession through the streets and neighborhoods of Trastevere and along the Tiber River.  I was fortunate to be able to catch the river procession this year.  It took place this past Sunday, July 24th.  Below are a few photos from the event.  
 
To read more on the history of Festa de’ Noantri, click here.  
 
Enjoying a lovely sunset as we wait for the procession to begin.  

 

Biking Around the City in Rome

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Bike art on display in Villa Borghese

One thing I really love to do is ride bicycles around the city.  It’s fun, good exercise, much faster than walking, and I always seem to make a new discovery around the city that I probably wouldn’t have made on foot.  An added bonus…there is nothing like riding through the ancient city of Rome, passing by ruins and the beautiful elaborate buildings, all while having the wind blow against your face and through your hair.

This weekend we rode bikes from Trastevere to Villa Borghese, spent the day riding and picnicking in the park, then returned to Trastevere in time to watch La Madonna sail down the river in celebration of Festa de’ Noantri.  Days like this aren’t just sweet, they’re pretty fabulous!


Riding bikes in Villa Borghese Park

Stopping to enjoy a picnic in Villa Borghese

Biking along Via del Corso and arriving to Piazza Venezia

Returning back to the quaint cobblestone streets of Trastevere

Here is a fun, short video of a talented guy we spotted while riding bikes in Villa Borghese

FESTA DE’ NOANTRI

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Getting ready for the night’s festivities. . .



Festa de’ Noantri is a festival that takes place in Trastevere each year.  The festival dates back to the early 1500’s.  The story is that there was a great storm, and after the storm settled several fisherman went down to the Tiber River and found a statue of the Virgin Mary carved from cedar wood.  The statue was given to the Carmelites and to the Church of St. Chrysogonus in Trastevere.  This is where the name ‘Our Lady of Mount Caramel’ originated.  Each year during June, a statue of the Virgin Mary is carried in procession through the streets and neighborhoods of Trastevere and along the Tiber River.  The festival began as a religious celebration, but over time it has transformed into much more.  The procession still takes place and religious services are held, but the streets of Trastevere are also filled with entertainment.  You will find musical acts, concerts, plays, films, games and even a firework display.  The firework display is scheduled to take place tonight, Sunday, July 24th at 11:30 PM. If you haven’t been to Trastevere to take in the fun of the festival, you still have a few more days, as the festival ends on the 26th.  The festival is also free to attend.  

Have You Stopped to Smell the Roses Lately?

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Located across from the Circus Maximus

All the roses have fun, whimsical names. . .

A garden full of history, wonder & delight.

Rome’s Rose Garden, Il Roseto Cumunale di Roma, is located on the Aventine Hill across from the Circus Maximus.  The public garden was established in 1931, but the space was used as a Jewish cemetery in the 17th century.  There are more than 1,200 varieties of roses deriving from all over the world featured in the garden.  The upper part of the garden contains the permanent collection, while the lower part features floral contestants from the international competition of ‘Premio Roma’, an annual competition among international floriculturists.  It is a treat of beauty, peace and quietness in the heart of the city.  
Entrance to the garden is free.  It is open from May throughout the summer months from 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM, although the best time to visit is during the May – June flowering season.    

Rome Celebrates Two Patron Saints. . .

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St. Peter’s Basilica located within the Vatican City
St. Peter Holding the Keys to Heaven
 
Rome celebrates its two patron saints, St. Peter and St. Paul, each year on June 29th.  According to legend, the two were martyred in Rome on the same day in 64 AD, although at different places.  They were martyred for teaching Christianity.  St. Peter, known as the first Pope by the Roman Catholic Church, was crucified.  St. Paul, being a Roman citizen, was beheaded by sword (because he was a Roman citizen, he was not allowed death by crucifixion).  Also according to legend, it is said St. Peter’s Basilica is built over the burial site of St. Peter.  
 
Each year Rome honors and remembers the saints with the Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.  It is a public holiday in Rome, and a holy day of obligation in the Roman Catholic Church.  Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to conduct a Papal Mass at the Vatican’s Basilica on Wednesday, June 29th at 9:30 AM, in honor of the holy feast day.   
 
If you are planning to be in the Eternal City on June 29th, keep in mind it is a public holiday in Rome, meaning many businesses are likely to be closed.  It’s also a perfect chance to catch a glimpse of the Pope if that is something on your to-do list.