During the Easter and Christmas holiday seasons, Rome traditions exhibit the strong Christian culture of the Eternal City. One such Rome tradition is to go to St. Peter’s Square on Easter and Christmas to receive a blessing from the Pope. During the Lenten season, Good Friday marks the annual Procession of the Cross from the Roman Colosseum to the Palatine and Forum. On Easter Sunday morning, an outdoor mass takes place in St. Peter’s Square.
During the Christmas season, churches in Rome display elaborate nativity scenes, and live music is enjoyed in the piazzas. The traditional midnight mass at the Vatican attracts thousands of locals and international visitors.