August in Rome: Perfect Timing for Snow

Piazza Santa Marie Maggione, Rome, August 5th, 2014

It’s the stuff you don’t plan that makes a trip. I loved my Breakfast at the Vatican yesterday (and will post about it soon), but without a doubt the highlight of Rome was being caught up in a blizzard. In August.

Turns out that August 5th, 2014, was the 1,660th birthday for the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. The original church was built on the spot of a freak snowstorm on 8/5/354 according to legend. With any great legend, a party must follow, so on August 5th every year the Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore becomes a snowy wonderland, courtesy of bubble machines.

I read about the event in the local English language magazine (Tip: ALWAYS check the events calendar) and just had to see this one firsthand. Arriving at the Piazza about 8:15, I snagged the last table at a trattoria on the square and waited while sipping a lovely Rossi and dining on Gnochetti with rocket greens.

And Waited. And Waited. Turns out that before any snow commenced, the crowd was treated to a full-length movie celebrating, well, the Popes. Best I can tell with my non-existent Italian, the movie was almost political in nature, with lots of baby kissing and proclamations of friendship between the late (and newly sainted) John Paul II, the former Benedict, and the current (and VERY popular) Pope Francis. It was interesting, but an hour and 45 minutes is a loooong time to make even the most fervent believers wait for the miracle of snow.

Finally about 10:45, the main event began and huge fire hoses of bubbles began spraying skyward. Much dancing and cheering followed and the “snow” was definitely worth the wait, if only to see nuns take a selfie.

Have you ever stumbled upon something that made your trip? Please share in the comments.