Thousands of people gathered in Sora, Italy, on 14 August for the traditional ‘Macchina dell’Assunta’ procession. Footage shows the 16-metre-high illuminated structure, topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary, being carried through the town’s streets as crowds watch and join the celebrations.
The annual procession takes place on the eve of the Feast of the Assumption. Dozens of ‘Portatori’ carry the structure on their shoulders, while residents, visitors and religious groups follow the route through the town centre.
The tradition began in 2005 and was inspired by the ‘Macchina di Santa Rosa’ in nearby Viterbo. The procession honours the Virgin Mary of the Assumption, patron saint of Sora Cathedral, and forms part of the town’s ‘Ferragosto’ celebrations.