Rome celebrates patron saints with public holiday on 29 June

Rome celebrates its patron saints Peter and Paul with a public holiday in the Italian capital on Thursday 29 June, leading to the closure of many shops, businesses and offices in the city.

The annual holiday marks the liturgical feast in honour of the martyrdom in Rome of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul, in a celebration that dates back to ancient Christian times.

The date commemorates the death of the two saints, both of whom are said to be buried at the two basilicas that bear their names: St Peter’s and St Paul’s Outside the Walls.

The fact that the festa falls on a Thursday this year will lead many Rome residents to take the following day off to make a ponte (bridge) or long weekend.

The city holiday on 29 June is normally marked by a spectacular fireworks display, known as the Girandoloa, which moved from Castel S. Angelo to Piazza del Popolo several years ago.

The idea of Michelangelo, perfected by Bernini, the spectacle was first introduced in 1481 and has inspired writers and artists through the centuries including Dickens, Belli and Piranesi.