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Every September 2nd the traditional Historic Procession winds its way through the streets of Viterbo's historic centre honouring Santa Rosa, as deliberated by the Consiglio dei Quaranta in 1512. Presently about 300 persons take part representing the city's major authorities, the clergy and the military dressed in traditional costumes of the different centuries up to 1700.
Some personages assume a symbolic significance such as the little girls called Rosebuds who signify the thread that holds the Patron Saint to her people. Other groups of girls called Rosine, are dressed in the Clarisse's grey-violet habits and carry baskets of roses and candles as gifts for the Saint. These groups divide the procession in sections representing the different centuries.
A group of third order Franciscans proceed carrying a cross and later a group of Santa Rosa's porters carry the precious reliquary containing the Saints heart.
The procession begins at the Sanctuary of Santa Rosa and after crossing the medieval quarter of San Pellegrino arrives to the Cathedral, snaking through the city's streets back to the Sanctuary.
An imposing organization backs up happening. Numerous artisans are responsible for making the clothing and doing the hairdressing in order to reproduce faithfully each detail of the different centuries from 1200 to today.
This year (2003) new costumes will represent, the first public administrators and carabinieri of united Italy, historically " extending" the procession up to the mid-19th century. Deep research has been done to perfect the textile, leather and metal accessories. Arms, shields and cuirasses have been created using, ancient methods. The Clarisse sisters are responsible for the conservation and creation of some of the traditional clothing.
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