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Last week the appointed day came. A cold wind swept in from the Apennines and over Margherita Gardens. But 20,000 children—and thousands of grownups—cheered and laughed and danced there; 40 floats and 200 walking masks paraded past the reviewing stand, where happy Cardinal Lercaro stood, tossing out little sacks of cookies and sweets and being pelted with confetti and rice. A few days later, on St. Joseph's Day, the cardinal again broke out his carnival displays—the giant Mickey Mouse, the enormous papier-mâché caterpillar, the ducks and the Martian flying saucers. This time, 40,000 people came for the fun, while Mayor Dozza's city police dutifully kept order.
"I am very moved," said the cardinal, flicking confetti from his round black hat.