Feast of the Immaculate Conception - December 8
 

We are going to be in Rome on December 8, and are trying to find out some information on how this holiday is celebrated. Our understanding is that the Pope will make an appearance to crown the statue of Mary with flowers - where is the statue located exactly? What time of day does the Pope make his appearance? If we wanted to try to witness this event, how early would we need to arrive and where would we want to stand to have the best vantage point? Has anyone out there done this? Any information would be appreciated.

I arrive in Rome on that day, I'd love info too. Haven't found anything yet, but I'll post as soon as I do.

The statue is just off Piazza di Spagna (to your right if you are facing the steps), on top of a very tall column. Many years ago, I saw the Pope crown her by ascending on one of those construction-crane baskets! Now that he is so feeble, I'm not sure if he will still do that. In June, the column was covered in scaffolding, but that doesn't mean it still is. I can't remember the exact time of day, but daytime hours for sure. There will be a crowd. It's a small piazza, so you will be able to see from anywhere.

I've read that in recent years the Pope still makes an appearance and gives a blessing at the statue, though someone else (a firefighter, I think??) does the actual crowning.

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