The annual procession bearing the gigantic “Macchina di Santa Rosa”, patron saint of Viterbo (Lazio) has been included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage listings, which highlight exceptionally interesting aspects of social and local cultural life in various countries. The 3 m-high illuminated tower, carried by hundreds of porters through the streets of the town every 3^rd September is an exciting and unique tradition that the UNESCO committee has judged worthy of being immortalized.

Italy at present has four shoulder-bourne religious procession nominations. In addition to Viterbo, UNESCO has granted approved status to the eight massive wooden towers known as the Gigli at Nola (Campania), the enormous wooden “candles” of the Candelieri at Sassari (Sardinia) and the 16m construction topped with costumed people in the Varia di Palmi of Reggio Calabria.

Other shoulder-bourne processional structures are expected to join the list over the next two years, including the Perdonanza of L’Aquila (Abruzzo).

Also included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list is the celebrated Mediterranean diet, as developed and practiced in Southern Italy with all its well-known health benefits.