Epiphany celebrations in Rome catch foreign tourists by surprise

Published: 2004-01-06

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Hundreds of people dressed in colorful medieval costumes paraded down Rome's Via della Conciliazione to St. Peter's Square to mark the feast of the Epiphany. The day celebrates the arrival of the three Wise Men or Magi in Bethlehem to visit the newly born Christ child and adore him as king. A European association of families organized the Jan. 6 celebration that featured three men on horseback dressed as the Magi bearing gifts for Pope John Paul II. While most Italians and other Europeans are familiar with the celebration, U.S. and Australian tourists were astonished to find St. Peter's Square awash with swirling flags, banners and costumed patricians marching to a solemn beat set by drumming pages.

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