The anniversary of the 'miracle' of snow falling on Rome in August in the year 358 AD will be recalled in a solemn ceremony at the piazza of Santa Maria Maggiore Wednesday evening.
According to Catholic tradition, the miraculous snowfall allowed the Virgin Mary to indicate to Pope Liberius where he should build a basilica in Rome's Esquilino district in her honour.
The modern-day ceremony was revitalized 32 years ago by the architect Cesare Esposito.
On Wednesday, it will include 10 'snow-shooting' machines which will generate the first flakes from the top of the basilica and the fountain in the centre of the square at Santa Maria Maggiore at 9 pm.
This will be accompanied by strains of classical music, special effects of light and laser rays, and a performance by an 11-piece orchestra. The August snowfall ceremony, dedicated to Pope Francis, has become a traditional summer fixture in Rome.
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