People thronging the streets of central Rome on Friday, May Day, looked on as a red flag was being carried.
It had nothing to do with the red flags that are used on that day, however.
The red flag was the flag of a Maltese band, the San Gaetan Band from Hamrun, which played its band music around the streets adjoining the Spanish Steps.
In the background in the picture one can also see the flag of the Order of Malta at its HQ in Via dei Condotti.