Macchina di Santa Rosa

Every September 3rd, the streets of Viterbo, a medieval Italian town, come alive with a breathtaking spectacle. As night falls, 100 men hoist a 30-meter-tall, 5-ton illuminated tower on their shoulders and carry it through the town. This awe-inspiring event, known as the Transport of the Macchina di Santa Rosa, attracts over 100,000 spectators annually. This centuries-old tradition beautifully combines religious devotion, physical prowess, and community spirit.

The Macchina Procession - A Grand Spectacle of Light and Shadow

The Facchini's Feat - Pushing the Limits of Human Endurance

The Allure of Local Cuisine - Tasting Tradition

The origins of the Macchina di Santa Rosa date back to September 4, 1258. On this day, the body of St. Rosa, Viterbo's patron saint who died in 1251, was transferred to the San Damiano Monastery (now the Church of Santa Rosa) by several cardinals in the presence of Pope Alexander IV. Initially a simple candlelit procession, it evolved over centuries. In 1686, Count Sebastian Gregory Fani designed the first "Macchina".

In the 18th century, wealthy noble families of Viterbo began sponsoring elaborate Macchine, their forms changing with the times to resemble altars, church towers, and Gothic structures. Today, the structure combines steel and fiberglass, replacing the wood and papier-mâché of the past. This tradition has also seen its share of tragedies. In 1790, the Macchina collapsed. In 1801, a crowd panic resulted in 22 deaths, and later that night, the Macchina caught fire. These incidents led Pope Pius VII to temporarily ban the procession, which resumed around 1810.

For the people of Viterbo, the Macchina is far more than just a festival. It's a profound expression of faith, community, and identity. Becoming a Facchino is considered a great honor, with the role often passed down from father to son. Aspiring Facchini must pass a grueling strength test, carrying a 150kg weight for 100 meters.

In 2013, UNESCO recognized the Transport of the Macchina di Santa Rosa as Intangible Cultural Heritage. This acknowledgment has heightened international awareness of the tradition's cultural significance, emphasizing its protection and continuation. Today, this event attracts over 100,000 spectators annually, serving as a vital symbol of Italian cultural identity.

During my trip to Italy, I unexpectedly found myself in the town of Viterbo and stumbled upon the Macchina di Santa Rosa festival. The entire town was enveloped in a festive mood, and I could feel the air charged with excitement. As night fell, suddenly all the town lights went out, and a massive 30-meter tower of light emerged from the darkness. Over 100 Facchini lifted the tower with a unified shout of "Uno, Due!" (One, Two!), and the crowd erupted in cheers. Their powerful footsteps echoed through the narrow cobblestone alleys, as if the whole town was breathing in unison. As the glowing tower slowly passed before my eyes, I was left speechless by its overwhelming presence. At that moment, I viscerally felt that the Macchina di Santa Rosa was not just a tourist event, but a symbol of the local people's deep faith and bonds. As the festival's excitement lingered, I savored the local specialty porchetta, grateful for this unexpected experience. That night, filled with the pride and passion of Viterbo's people, will surely become an unforgettable memory.

• The Macchina di Santa Rosa is rebuilt every few years, with each new design attempting to surpass the previous one in height and complexity.
• The current Macchina, named "Gloria," stands 30 meters tall and weighs approximately 5,200 kg.
• Despite its size, the entire structure is designed to be flexible, allowing it to sway slightly as it's carried through the streets.

The Transport of the Macchina di Santa Rosa takes place annually on September 3rd. While the main event is on September 3rd, festivities often begin a few days earlier.