Pentecost rose petals in the Pantheon >>> Pentecost rose petals in the Pantheon <<< The tradition of showering rose petals through the oculus of the Pantheon dates back thousands of years, probably to the 607 AD when the pagan temple became a Christian church. Today the ritual involves fire-fighters, who drop tens of thousands of red petals 43 metres into the interior of the Pantheon, symbolising the Holy Spirit’s descent to Earth. The ceremony is scheduled on Sunday 9 June following the 10:30 mass but due to its popularity, you’ll want to arrive by 8AM to ensure you get inside before the crowds arrive. >>> June in Rome <<< After our rebranding we have put a lot in motion and now it’s time to celebrate. We have just celebrated the birthday of our “resident” cook Giovanni, those who have tasted his cuisine on our terrace right after the Catacombs, Aqueducts and the Old Appian Way tour, will remember him well. Between the military parade of the Republic Day, an international bicycle meeting, the Critical Mass and The Pride, June in Rome is a month of celebration for every taste. Next we will take you through small streets and marble statues of the centro storico to the Pentecost ceremony in the Pantheon, watching red rose petals dance in the air, a symbol of the renewal of life and the coming of the warmth of summer. Our artist of the month Tim Allen feasts our eyes with his interpretation of Salome while we discover the story of a 1st century dancer Telethusa. So wear something red and join us for this dance.