ROME, Italy, Jan. 1, 2008
When In Rome … Go Jump Off A Bridge?
Speedo-Clad Daredevils Leap Into Chilly Tiber In 62-Year-Old New Year's Tradition
-
Play CBS Video Video Italy Jumps Into The New Year "CBS News RAW": Divers plunged into the river Tiber in Rome honoring a New Year's tradition that dates back to 1946. The jump is considered dangerous because of the cold, shallow water.
-
Video Icy Dip For New Year's Day "CBS News RAW": Dozens stripped down and jumped into the freezing waters of Lake Michigan for a New Year's Day tradition. They are called the polar bears and many take the plunge to support charities.
-
Italian Marco Fois dives into the Tiber River from the Cavour Bridge in Rome, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008, to celebrate the New Year. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca)
-
Photo Essay World Welcomes 2008 People around the globe celebrate the New Year one time zone at a time.
-
Quiz Year-End News Quiz Test your knowledge of some of the big news events of 2007.
- Stories
- World Welcomes 2008
Hundreds of Romans attended the annual gathering on the sides of the river to applaud the divers who welcomed 2008 by plunging into the water from the Cavour bridge standing at a height of 16 meters, or 52.5 feet.
"This is our tradition here in Rome. May everybody be well, happy and serene, not only us, but all over Italy and the world", said diver Giuseppe Palmulli, who was celebrating his twentieth year as a New Year diver.
The stunt is considered a dangerous event as the waters of the Tiber are cold, muddy and the river is not really deep enough for a dive from such a height.
"It was cold and I was a little afraid, but it is always a great emotion and a satisfaction," said diver Marco Fois after his jump.
Rome's New Year divers are not professional and don't have any chances to do practice jumps into the river before the event.
The first diver in the event's history was called Mr Ok, an unemployed man who was looking for a job in the film industry.
© MMVIII The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
- CBSNews.com on Digg
More From World
Add a Comment
- "The first diver in the event"s history was called Mr Ok, an unemployed man who was looking for a job in the film industry."
Later, Sylvetser Stallone fulfilled that ambition. - Reply to this comment
- "The stunt is considered a dangerous event as the waters of the Tiber are cold, muddy and the river is not really deep enough for a dive from such a height.
"This is our tradition here in Rome."
---------------
(When in Rome, don"t always do as the Romans do.) - Reply to this comment
- These Romans are tough. Strong families.
- Reply to this comment
