Saints Peter and Paul Day

Saints Peter and Paul Day (Solennità dei Santi Pietro e Paolo) is celebrated on June 29th, particularly in Rome where both apostles were martyred. It is a public holiday in Rome, honoring the city's patron saints and the foundation of the Catholic Church.

Saint Peter, the first Pope, was crucified upside down in Rome around 64 AD. Saint Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, was beheaded the same year. Both are considered pillars of the Church, with their feast day celebrated since the 3rd century.

The Pope celebrates Mass at St. Peter's Basilica and blesses the pallium for new metropolitan archbishops. A spectacular fireworks display takes place over Castel Sant'Angelo. The streets of Rome are decorated, and many Romans take the day off.