Every May 6, the Vatican dresses up to welcome the new Swiss Guard recruits. This year there are 23 of them. Each one parading to the center of San Damaso courtyard to pronounce his solemn oath, while holding up both the flag and three fingers to symbolize the Holy Trinity. They promise to protect the Pope with all their strength and even their life, if necessary. This is one of the most colorful ceremonies witnessed in the Vatican. It takes place on May 6 as a memento of the 147 Swiss soldiers who died defending the Pope during the Sack of Rome in 1527.
