Rome is my city. Rome is a city rich in history and tradition visible, but sometimes unknown even to us by the Romans who always live. Three years ago I became aware of this tradition, rediscovered in the early ’90s and since then relives every 2 November.
The first time I participated in the procession was the beginning on 2 November 2006. Being there, on the island in the middle of the Tiber, with camera in hand to document, in a situation of light is always difficult, a piece of Rome, returning to exist.
It was a little ‘back in time in the short term duration of the procession is something mystical breath, the smell of incense carried by hand, the soft light of candles illuminating the faces of the people. Ordinary people involved almost by accident and merges with the most believers who follow the brothers dressed in traditional red dresses to the banks of the river, sacred to the Romans, to lay in an almost pagan rite, a wreath in memory of those who lost their lives in those waters.
It was not easy to achieve this special report for the lighting conditions and increasingly critical for the short duration of the event. That is for 3 consecutive years are returned to the same appointment to follow with an eye always different (I used different points) to be able to document the best. The blur that initially bothered me then found a place in the visual narrative strengthening, in my opinion, the feeling of spirituality and mysticism that is characteristic of that time.
I wanted to make this report to always remain an indelible mark on the traditions of this city that for better or for worse always carry in my heart.
I dedicate this work to Dario De Dominicis that made me discover the Sacconi Rossi and was a great master of reportage and Emilio D’Itri has given me the opportunity to present it.