This year the “miracle of the August snow” will return to thrill Romans
The 42nd edition of the Historical Re-enactment of the Miracle of the Snow at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore will once again celebrate one of the most evocative events of the Roman summer. Since 1983, this event conceived by architect Cesare Esposito has been bringing back the legend of the miracle of 358 AD, when, according to tradition, Our Lady made it snow on the Esquiline Hill to indicate the place where the church should be built.
This year’s edition is dedicated to the Supreme Pontiff Leo XIV, the memory of Pope Francis and a message of peace for the world. The event combines faith, art, entertainment and tradition, making the night of August 5 a unique and unmissable event for citizens and visitors in front of the splendid early Christian basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
The legend
On the top of the Esquiline Hill, years ago the miracle of the Madonna of the Snow took place. According to legend, in 358 AD on the Hill the Holy Virgin caused snow to fall in August. A miracle to show the noble Roman patrician John and his wife, who had no children, where to have the church built in her honor.
On the night of August 4-5, Our Lady appeared in a dream to both Pope Liberius and the patrician John. Both found the Esquiline covered with snow in summer when they awoke. News of the snow miracle spread everywhere and now so many people travel to Santa Maria Maggiore in August to witness its re-enactment.
Program August 5, 2025
Starting at 9 p.m., the evening opens with music and hymns performed by the Carabinieri Fanfare, conducted by Maestro Danilo Di Silvestro. The square in front of the basilica is transformed by spectacular light projections on the fountain and surrounding buildings, accompanied by opera arias performed live by soprano Mary Prosperi and baritone Giuseppe Milli.
The most anticipated moment is the artificial “snowfall,” which, starting at 9:30 p.m. and every 30 to 40 minutes until midnight, transforms the square into a magical white expanse, just as it was according to legend. At about 10:30 p.m., the “flight of the angel” also takes place, flying over the audience amid colorful balloons, confetti and engaging sounds.
The evening, presented by Angelo Blasetti and Pietro Romano with godmother Laura De Luca, sees poets such as Elisabetta Pamela Petrolati and Michele Cioffi tell the story of Our Lady of the Snow through their poems. Architect Esposito dedicates a reading moment to Rome, Italy as a cultural power, Pope Francis and Michelangelo.
Trivia…
Today in Italy there are 152 sacred buildings dedicated to Our Lady of the Snow. In Piedmont there are 31, in Lombardy 19, in Campania 17, … Other regions also celebrate Our Lady of the Snow with major events that draw public attention (e.g., those in Campania).