This footage was filmed and produced 8 December 2023.

In a heartfelt tribute this morning, firefighters in Rome adorned the statue of the Madonna in Piazza di Spagna with a wreath of flowers.

The moving ceremony, attended by the head of the National Corps Carlo Dall'Oppio, Emergency Director Marco Ghimenti, and Rome Commander Adriano De Acutis, saw Vincenzo Morgia, the most senior fire department head of the Rome command, ascend over 100 steps on a ladder truck to place the floral tribute in the arms of the statue, perched 27 meters above.

This annual tradition, dating back to 1949, holds historical significance. In 1856, Roman firefighters showcased their exceptional skills by raising a marble column in Piazza di Spagna, commissioned by Pius IX in memory of the Immaculate Conception.

Their prowess earned them the honor of placing the bronze statue of the Immaculate Conception atop the column in 1857. Since 1949, the firefighters continue to ascend 30 meters annually to present a floral homage to the Madonna on December 8, renewing a tradition deeply rooted in the history of the Roman Fire Brigade.

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