Breaking taboos in Italy – Opening an exclusively male ritual to women | DW Documentary
Every year, the Italian town of Viterbo honors its patron saint, Santa Rosa, with a unique procession. A 30-metre-high sculpture has traditionally been carried through the town by more than 100 men. Now, women are challenging that exclusionary custom.
Viterbo is an Italian town with a centuries-old tradition. Every year, on 3 September, more than a hundred men carry the huge Macchina di Santa Rosa sculpture – standing almost 30 meters tall – through the old town. For many, this ritual is a defining part of their identity. But Viterbo is changing, and a new generation is questioning why this tradition is reserved for men.
At the heart of this development is 13-year-old Stella. She was the first girl to be accepted into the Mini-Macchina club – the first step for children hoping to one day become fully-fledged Macchina bearers. Now she’s preparing for her most important challenge. For the first time, she’s allowed to take part in what’s known as the steep stage to the Santuario di Santa Rosa, a symbolic highlight of the ritual.
One of the bearers is Stella’s father, David. He is very supportive of his daughter’s dream – although it’s unusual. Stella’s cousin Matteo, on the other hand, sees the tradition from a male perspective. This contrast shows just how deeply rooted gender roles are in Viterbo.
A key figure in this quiet revolution is Gianni Baiocco. Himself a bearer, he is also the chairman of the Mini-Macchina association, located in the town’s historic center. He was one of those who first allowed girls to join two years ago – a bold move that faced some local resistance. As he sees it, this development is about safeguarding tradition, in a sparsely populated area that faces a shortage of young people.
On the day of the Mini-Macchina parade, Viterbo is on the edge of its seat. The film shows just how far Stella’s determination and strength will take her. But the question remains as to how far a centuries-old, male-dominated tradition is prepared to open up. This is a report on courage, cultural heritage and the transformation of a city caught between faith, tradition and a new generation.
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Video “Breaking taboos in Italy – Opening an exclusively male ritual to women | DW Documentary” was uploaded on 08/30/2026 by DW Documentary Youtube channel.