SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE, Italy — They paraded through the cobblestone streets, brandishing tall brushes like batons, a peppy — if sooty — bunch who occasionally called out: “spazzacaminoooooo,” Italian for chimney sweep (with a few extra o’s for emphasis).

Along the parade path, children held plastic bags open, hoping to catch the presents tossed by the chimney sweeps as they passed. Some got candy, while others lunged for pins, buttons, pencils and even potatoes that were flung to the crowd.

The adults got grimy, two-handed caresses that left few clean faces among the front-row spectators crowded along the route.