Some Observations made travelling through France, Italy etc., in the years 1720-1722

urn:iso:std:iso:639:ed-3:eng

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text excerpt

I will now take occasion (before I proceed to the rest of the Palaces) to mention another Functione, the Corpus-Christi Procession, which is annually made from the Palace of the Vatican; they reckon it the greatest Procession they have, and call it Processio Generalissima.

 The Procession began with Charity-Boys, Orphans, singing Anthems in parts. 

Then follow'd the several Religious Orders (some of them singing) a prodigious Number.

 After these, a Company carrying white Wax Flambeaux, some of them were Religious, some Citizens, among them Gentlemens or rich Citizens Sons, pretty Youths. The Number of the Company which bore the Flambeaux, as I was told, was about two thousand. […] I thought there was little need of so many Flambeaux in such bright and hot Sunshine, as we then had.

 Then came the Pavilions (a sort of Tents) to represent the several Basiliche, with Inscriptions upon each, and little Bells about some of them, with Choristers singing in parts, attended with several Officers, and Gentlemen with Flambeaux like-wise.

 Then follow'd the Generals of the several Orders, and their Servants.

Then the Sbirri, with their Barigello, or Captain.

The Protonotarii Apostolici.

Some Officers bearing the four Treregni [Triple Crowns] richly adorn'd with Jewels; and three Mitres.

The Musicians of the Pope's Chapel, the Prelates, the Penitentiaries of St. Peter's.

excerpt from 'Some Observations made travelling through France, Italy etc., in the years 1720-1722' pp. 277 (217 words)

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