Every July 2, the city of Matera in southern Italy becomes the setting for one of the oldest, most beloved and controversial festivals: The Madonna of BrunaThis event, which combines religious fervour, cultural tradition and a touch of excitement, attracts thousands of faithful and curious people from all over the world. However, the festival is also known for the incidents that occur during the expected destruction of the triumphal chariot.

The day begins with the Procession of the Shepherds at dawnThis procession starts from the Cathedral of Matera and goes through the streets of the old town, accompanied by songs and prayers. A solemn mass is then celebrated in the cathedral, where the statue of the Virgin is blessed.

One of the most eagerly awaited moments is the placement of the statue on a richly decorated triumphal chariot. This vehicle, made of light materials and adorned with flowers and religious symbols, is transported through the main streets of Matera. Along the way, crowds gather to pay homage to the Virgincreating a sea of ​​faith and devotion.

The highlight of the festivities comes at the end of the procession, with the ritual destruction of the triumphal chariotAccording to tradition, this destruction symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is a moment of great excitement for the participants. Once the cart reaches its final destination, the faithful rush to dismantle it, taking pieces as souvenirs or good luck charms.

Despite the joy surrounding this ritual, the destruction of the triumphal chariot is not without incident. The emotion of the moment and the large number of people present create risky situations. Pushing, falling and scuffles are common.and in some years, these incidents have resulted in minor injuries for some participants.

The massiveness of the event and the pent-up energy create an environment where it is easy to lose control. Local authorities are aware of these risks and therefore implement additional security measures. During the festivities, a large security operation is deployed, including the presence of police, firefighters and medical personnel. Despite these efforts, the fervour and impatience of the attendees can make control difficult. In this edition, The health services treated 10 peopleaccording to RAI reports.