the Cavalry of Mother Mary

Horsemen appear for the first time in 1698, called in from various villages to escort the float.

Their presence was required in view of the previous year's damage to the woven and painted canvas that decorated the cart.

Subsequently two regiments were formed, the Mountain Riflemen and the Albanian Corps , joined later by the Brigade.

Each had its own hierarchy, but all the troops were under the command of a General. For about ten years, until 1816, instead of the Cavalry, it was Napoleon's troops who escorted the float. Then the Italian Gendarmerie took over the task and, from 1848, was joined by the National Guard as well. In later years, "men of good will" became part of the escort. These young men, locally known as "vastasi", are responsible for the traditional destruction of the Triumphal Cart , after the statue is taken to the Cathedral.