Vita gazette – Rome lit up the sky with a spectacular fireworks display on Saturday, June 29, to mark a holiday honouring the city’s patron saints, Peter and Paul.

On June 29, Rome celebrates its patron saints with many events ready to immerse the city in an atmosphere of song and colour. Like the capital, several other Italian locations celebrate the most representative saints of Catholicism with traditional events, festivals, markets and solemn masses.

The spectacle, known as the Girandola, occurred over Castel Sant’Angelo at 21.30 on Saturday, a public holiday. The 22-minute fireworks display, re-enacting a tradition that dates back to the 15th century, is a testament to Rome’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance.

The holiday marks the liturgical feast in Rome in honour of the martyrdom of the apostles, saints Peter and Paul, a celebration that dates back to ancient Christian times. The date commemorates the death of the two saints who are said to be buried at the two basilicas bearing their names: San Pietro and San Paolo fuori le mura. In addition to the fireworks, the annual holiday is marked with a religious procession at the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the walls and an infiorata floral display in front of St. Peter’s.

The idea of Michelangelo, perfected by Bernini, the fireworks display was introduced in 1481 and has inspired writers and artists through the centuries. The spectacle, which has sparked the creativity of literary giants like Dickens and Belli and artists like Piranesi, stands as a testament to the profound cultural impact of this event, inspiring generations of creative minds and enriching Rome’s artistic legacy.

A fountain of luminous sparks that embraces Castel Sant’Angelo. The ‘Historical Re-enactment of Michelangelo’s Pinwheel’ returned on the occasion of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on the evening of Saturday, June 29. According to June 29on, the fireworks display originated around the 15th century, from an idea by Michelangelo Buonarroti to celebrate the founding saints of the Church and patrons of the city of Rome. In 1481, it was built on the Terrace of the Angel to celebrate the pontificate of Pope Sixtus IV. It formed a pinwheel that ended with a fountain of fires that gushed onto the monument, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle that filled the sky with awe and wonder.

The best places to view the spectacle, such as Lungotevere Tor di Nona and the bridges of Vittorio Emanuele II, Sant’Angelo and Umberto I, offer stunning views. These locations provide a perfect vantage point to witness the breathtaking display, adding to the excitement and anticipation of the event.

A new exhibition at Castel Sant’Angelo, a must-see for all culture enthusiasts, explores the history of the Girandola. This unique exhibition is a journey through time with paintings, prints, manuscripts, and fireworks machines.

Like every year, the occasion includes a full calendar of events not to be missed from Friday, June 28, to Sunday, June 30, and June 28, the weekend. June 30 important initiatives are the Pinwheel of Castel Sant’Angelo, the initiatives of the Vicariate, the “Quo Vadis” event walk, and the traditional flower display in St. Peter’s.