The traditional inauguration of the Christmas season got underway early this month in Rome, but travelers can visit vestiges of those early celebrations, and still take in a few more ceremonies, after the gifts have been opened.
At Piazza Mignanelli near the Spanish Steps, a statue of the Madonna, which rises above a 100-foot-high column, was embellished with a wreath on Dec. 8 by Pope Benedict XVI, who led a ceremony there for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Other wreaths were laid around the base, where they will remain until next year.
At St. Peter?s Square, a 100-foot-tall spruce, a gift from Ukraine, is on display through Jan. 6. It is decked out in 2,500 white and gold ornaments and lights, evoking the colors of the Vatican flag. Beside it is a Nativity scene featuring 19th-century statues.
There are more celebrations on hand: On Christmas Day, the Pope will appear at the loggia on St. Peter?s facade at noon for the ?Urbi et Orbi? address; St. Stephen?s Day celebrations will be held in the square the following day.
And on New Year?s Eve, First Vespers and Te Deum will be held inside St. Peter?s Basilica, followed by Mass in the square on New Year?s Day. The bulk of the Christmas festivities conclude Jan. 6 with a papal Mass in St. Peter?s Basilica for the Epiphany.
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Source: http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/25/rome-for-the-holidays/
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