I wanted discuss the topic since i had not seen anyone asking this question... There will be a HUGE number of people that will be visiting Rome for the Beatification of Pope John Paul II on May 1st, 2011. Possibly a million plus. Just wanted to bring it up since either a traveler would want to avoid Rome and especially the Vatican on this day (and possibly days leading up to or after) OR this would be a great opportunity to join in the celebration. Also, May 1st is Labor Day in Italy - a national holiday. Last year we new about it but proceeded to take the bus to the north of Rome and had to walk back to the center of the city to get the metro to our apt. The buses stop running for part of the day. Don't know what they will do this year because of this special event. And you probably won't be able to find out since this doesn't happen very often...
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