Viterbo, Italy. The Facchini di Santa Rosa prepare before the Transport of the Macchina, one of the most anticipated and deeply felt events in the Viterbo community.

Viterbo, Italy. With a collective effort, more than one hundred Facchini di Santa Rosa lift the Macchina, beginning its procession through the streets of Viterbo.

Viterbo, Italy. The Sisters of Saint Rose watch the procession from the church of the Monastery of Saint Rose.

Viterbo, Italy. The Sisters of Saint Rose watch the procession from the church of the Monastery of Saint Rose.

Viterbo, Italy. A Sister of Saint Rose makes the sign of the cross inside the church of the Monastery. An intimate gesture of faith in the moments before the Transport of the Macchina.

Viterbo, Italy. The Facchini di Santa Rosa, guided by their leaders, take their assigned positions beneath the Macchina. The final moments before the lift, when months of preparation give way to strength and concentration.

Viterbo, Italy. The Macchina di Santa Rosa moves through the narrow streets of Viterbo, illuminating the night and accompanied by thousands of people. A symbol of faith and belonging that passes through the heart of the city each year.

Viterbo, Italy. Inside the Church of San Sisto, following the blessing of the Facchini before the Transport, the chief porter cries out “Viva Santa Rosa” three times, a ritual embodying the faith, strength and profound bond between the Facchini and Viterbo’s patron saint.

Viterbo, Italy. The Facchini di Santa Rosa inside the Church of San Sisto, in the moments before the blessing and the Transport of the Macchina. Concentration and reflection mark the final moments before the great challenge.

Viterbo, Italy. During the traditional Tour of the Seven Churches, the Facchini di Santa Rosa receive a blessing. A moment of faith and reflection accompanying their journey towards the Transport of the Macchina.

Viterbo, Italy. During the Tour of the Seven Churches, the Facchini di Santa Rosa meet and greet the community. A bond of faith and belonging that embraces even the youngest and is passed down from generation to generation.

Viterbo, Italy. Two priests photograph the Facchini di Santa Rosa inside one of the churches of the traditional Tour of the Seven Churches. A gesture reflecting the deep devotion that binds the city to its Saint and runs through every moment of this ancient tradition.

Viterbo, Italy. The bishop stands before the Facchini di Santa Rosa, moments before the blessing that precedes the Transport of the Macchina. A solemn moment of reflection and faith before the great challenge.

Viterbo, Italy. The Facchini di Santa Rosa and participants in the Historical Procession fill the heart of Viterbo. Different generations come together in the name of Saint Rose, in a tradition that unites faith, memory and collective identity.

Viterbo, Italy. The Facchini di Santa Rosa gather for a commemorative photograph in front of the Papal Palace during the traditional Tour of the Seven Churches. A collective image preserving the memory and sense of belonging to a tradition deeply rooted in the city.

Viterbo, Italy. The faithful occupy the squares along the route of the Macchina di Santa Rosa, spending the night there to secure a place from which to witness the Transport. A long wait that reflects the city’s deep bond with Saint Rose.

Viterbo, Italy. The young Facchini di Santa Rosa walk through the streets of Viterbo between crowds of onlookers. From childhood, the tradition and devotion to Saint Rose are experienced and passed down from generation to generation.

Viterbo, Italy. A woman photographs the young participants during the Historical Procession of Saint Rose. A centuries-old tradition continues to live through the eyes and gestures of the community.

Viterbo, Italy. A young girl photographs the Historical Procession of Saint Rose as the crowd awaits its passage. The celebration brings the entire city together, transforming its streets into a place of shared participation.

Viterbo, Italy. Two women, holding their dogs in their arms, watch the Historical Procession of Saint Rose pass by. They too seem to have secured a front-row seat for the city’s great celebration.

Viterbo, Italy. Young Facchini di Santa Rosa take part in the celebrations dedicated to the city’s patron saint, wearing the traditional white uniform with a red sash, a symbol of belonging and continuity across generations.

Viterbo, Italy. Young participants in Renaissance costumes take part in the Historical Procession of Saint Rose. Through the younger generations, the city’s memory and traditions continue to live on.

Viterbo, Italy. The drummers of the Historical Procession of Saint Rose make their way through the ancient streets of Viterbo, their drums setting the rhythm of the procession.

Viterbo, Italy. A young standard-bearer leads the marching band during the Historical Procession of Saint Rose, bringing music and tradition through the streets of the city.

Viterbo, Italy. The crowd greets the Facchini di Santa Rosa as they make their way through the city streets. Under the sun, anticipation turns into enthusiasm and shared celebration.

Viterbo, Italy. A man photographs the Facchini di Santa Rosa as they pass through the city. Between ancient rituals and contemporary images, Viterbo’s devotion continues to be experienced and shared.

Viterbo, Italy. The Sisters of Saint Rose joyfully greet the Facchini as they pass. An encounter filled with smiles, faith and affection, reflecting the deep bond that unites the community in the name of Saint Rose.

Viterbo, Italy. Young participants dressed in religious costumes take part in the Historical Procession of Saint Rose. In their faces and traditional garments, a centuries-old memory comes to life.

Viterbo, Italy. Participants in historical costumes walk through the streets of Viterbo during the Historical Procession of Saint Rose, bringing the city’s centuries-old memory to life through costumes and gestures.

Viterbo, Italy. A Facchino di Santa Rosa pauses before a processional devotional display inside the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, during the traditional Tour of the Seven Churches. An intimate moment of faith on the spiritual journey preceding the Transport of the Macchina.

Viterbo, Italy. The crowd awaits the Facchini di Santa Rosa, shielding themselves from the sun. Faces, gestures and expressions reflect an entire city taking part in its most deeply felt celebration.

Viterbo, Italy. Young flag-bearers in historical costumes take part in the Historical Procession of Saint Rose. Their faces reflect the pride of representing a tradition deeply rooted in the city.

Viterbo, Italy. A participant is helped out of his costume at the end of the Historical Procession of Saint Rose. After the solemnity of the procession, the celebration ends with the simple gestures of those who help keep its tradition alive.

Viterbo, Italy. Wigs and costume accessories after the Historical Procession of Saint Rose. Behind the solemn representation of tradition remain the quiet traces of those who, for a day, brought the city’s history back to life.

Viterbo, Italy. A participant removes his boots at the end of the Historical Procession of Saint Rose. As the solemn procession comes to an end, costumes and characters give way to everyday life.

Viterbo, Italy. A young participant puts away the bows at the end of the Historical Procession of Saint Rose. The pageantry is over and, behind the scenes, every element of the tradition slowly returns to its place.

Viterbo, Italy. A participant is helped out of his costume at the end of the Historical Procession of Saint Rose. Behind the scenes, the solemnity of history gives way to fatigue and the everyday gestures of those who brought it back to life.