Looking ahead to Pentecost: The Pantheon in Rome

Rose petals are dropped from the open oculus of the Pantheon  to celebrate Pentecost.

The tradition is very ancient, possibly dating back to 609 AD. During the Pentecostal Mass, rose petals were dropped from the oculus onto the faithful to symbolize the descent of the Holy Spirit.

At noon on Pentecost, the Vigili del Fuoco (firefighters) of Rome, after climbing on top of the Pantheon’s dome (almost 44 meters high), drop thousands of rose petals as the choir chants the sequence of Veni Sancte Spiritus.

Watch these videos of the event from previous years.  It is a sight to behold!