This year, one of the rotations of the Santa Rosa machine will be dedicated to Leonardo Cristiani, the 15-year-old who tragically died last June 9th following a motorcycle accident.
The announcement was made by the president of the Porters’ Association, Massimo Mecarini, and the head porter, Luigi Aspromonte, during the press conference presenting the 2025 transport.
The so-called “girata,” or rotation, is an extremely delicate maneuver during which the porters turn the walking bell tower a full 360 degrees.
Originally, the turn was performed in Piazza del Plebiscito to show the people the four votive images of the saint that adorned the sides of the early machines; today, the maneuver is carried out in honor of porters who have passed away during the year.
Leonardo was a junior porter and will therefore be remembered by his adult companions during the transport.
“Leonardo Cristiani was and will always be one of us,” emphasized Mecarini and Aspromonte. “This year we will dedicate the rotation in Piazza del Comune to him and will carry him in our hearts throughout the entire transport.”