FESTA DE’ NOANTRI

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.