Pantheon marks Pentecost with rose petal ceremony.

The spectacular tradition of rose petals fluttering down through the oculus of the Pantheon is held each year on the feast of Pentecost, which falls on 19 May in 2024.

The annual spectacle traditionally takes place after 10.30 Mass which this year will be presided over by the archpriest rector Monsignor Daniele Micheletti with the participation of the Basilica Choir and the Romerike Vocal Ensemble from Eidsvol, Norway, according to the Pantheon website.

The unique ceremony occurs at around midday when fire-fighters drop tens of thousands of rose petals 43 metres into the interior of the Pantheon, symbolising the Holy Spirit’s descent to Earth.

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This year is the first time that the Pentecost event takes place under the Pantheon's new ticketed entry system.

Access to the landmark remains free to Rome residents, people attending religious services and the under-18s, while visitors under 25 pay an entry fee of €3.

"Given the large number of participants in the [Pentecost] ceremony, which ends with the falling of red rose petals from the oculus of the dome, the faithful will have to reach the Basilica at 09.00" - the Pantheon website states - "Entry will be permitted up to the maximum capacity allowed; priests who wish to concelebrate should be in the Basilica no later than 09.30."