An unforgettable sight takes place here each September 3rd when streetlights are turned off and a cheering crowd of more than 60,000 watch 130 very strong Viterbese facchini, or porters, carry the Macchina di Santa Rosa 1.5 kms through the narrow streets of the old town. The statue seems to float over the buildings as it glows against the night sky and the procession ends with its strenuous ascent up to the Piazza di Santa Rosa, its final resting place.

Every five years a competition is held and the winner’s elaborate design is crafted into the macchina, a 30 meter tall tower made of iron, wood and papier-maché weighing 5 tons, lit by hundreds of candles and topped by a statue of the town’s patron saint.

It honors the 13th century saint who was a native of Viterbo and openly opposed Emperor Frederick II, at the time besieging the town. When she died at only 17, she was immediately made a saint by popular acclaim.

Although the tradition began hundreds of years ago, the statue became progressively larger and heavier until it toppled over during the 19th century, crushing facchini as well as spectators. This has not occurred since, but it is said that the facchini must sign their wills before they can bear the weight of the macchina.

Photos kindly provided by Torbjörn Erneholm and Roy Diner