The Romans never hold back during the holidays!
Processions, fireworks, endless meals and historical parades. There is always something to see. Here is an overview of the most heartfelt holidays in Rome and what the Romans do during these special days.
Exclusively Roman celebrations
Birthday of Rome – April 21st
April 21st is the city’s birthday! It celebrates the foundation of Rome by Romulus, in 753 BC. This year the Eternal City celebrated its 2778th anniversary. Historical reenactments with legionaries, gladiators and vestals are usually organised at the Circus Maximus. Not to mention concerts, live music and programs dedicated to art in general. One of the city’s symbolic places is certainly the Campidoglio which every year for the occasion is transformed into an open-air stage. However, for reasons related to the death of Pope Francis, this year the celebrations were cancelled. Let’s discover the other holidays in Rome.
Saint Peter and Paul – June 29th
At the end of June, Rome celebrates the two patron saints of the city, Saint Peter and Saint Paul. It is an occasion to commemorate the martyrdom of these two saints who were so important to the Capital. Both were martyred in Rome. Saint Peter was crucified upside down, while Saint Paul was beheaded. It seems that this celebration has replaced the pagan one of the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. Among the classic events scheduled for the day is the traditional canoe regatta on the Tiber. But above all, citizens flock to the center to admire the famous Girandola of Castel Sant’Angelo. It is a fireworks display, apparently commissioned by Michelangelo Buonarroti, to celebrate the two founders of the Church. Other typical events are the flag-wavers’ parade and the concert of the Carabinieri band.
Estate Romana (The Roman summer) (June-October)
It’s not really a holiday, but a series of cultural events that transform Rome into a huge open-air stage. Concerts, open-air cinema, theater shows. Romans are divided between those who escape to the seaside and those who enjoy the city (a little more livable and less chaotic). This year the focus will be on one of the most important personalities of the Italian and Roman cinematographic and literary scene, Pier Paolo Pasolini. It is the fiftieth anniversary of his tragic death and Rome wants to celebrate him during its enchanting summer months.
National holidays: when all of Italy takes a break
Liberation Day – April 25th
The Romans, like the rest of the Italians, celebrate the end of Nazi-fascism. In Rome, however, things are done in a big way: official events at the Altare della Patria, parades and commemorations. It is also the perfect occasion for a picnic in the parks (Villa Borghese, Villa Ada or the Gianicolo are top). The smartest ones organize to take the so-called long weekend and escape to the sea or to the Castelli Romani area.
Labor Day – May 1st
In Italy May 1st is Labor day. All of Italy celebrates this important event, but here in Rome tradition dictates that you go to the free mega-concert on May 1st! For many years it was held in Piazza San Giovanni. Lately, the Circus Maximus has also been one of the most popular locations for this day dedicated to music. A musical marathon that attracts young people from all over Italy. If you don’t like crowds, it’s best to stay away. But for those who go, it’s almost a ritual.
Republic Day – June 2nd
Italy celebrates the birth of the Republic, but in Rome it is done in style. You can admire the military parade at the Roman Forum and the passage of the Frecce Tricolori above the sky of the historic center. These planes cross the sky drawing the Italian flag. Exciting, even for those who have already seen it a thousand times. Security is very high and the center is practically sealed off. Many Romans take advantage of it for a trip out of town.
Ferragosto – August 15th
One of the most beloved holidays by Italians, especially because it falls in the middle of summer. Many go to the seaside, to the mountains or take trips out of town with friends and family. Ferragosto has roots in Ancient Rome. Feriae Augusti, means the rest of Augustus, the Roman emperor who gave his name to the month of August. Ferragosto represented a pagan festival that celebrated the end of work in the fields and the harvest. Later it was linked to an important Christian religious festival, the Assumption of Mary. Today Ferragosto is above all synonymous with vacation, sun and fun.
Immaculate Conception – December 8th
For the Romans this day inaugurates Christmas. Many go to see the Pope laying a crown on the statue of the Virgin Mary in Piazza di Spagna. But let’s face it: for many people this is the beginning of Christmas shopping. The shop windows light up and the rush for Christmas presents begins.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve
In Rome, Christmas can be felt from the end of November: lights everywhere, markets in Piazza Navona, nativity scenes in every corner. The night of the 24th is dedicated to family dinner. For the most devout, midnight mass in St. Peter’s is a must. New Year’s Eve, on the other hand, is marked by the classic fireworks and street celebrations. Circus Maximus and the Colosseum are among the most popular places.
Easter and Easter Monday
Christmas with your family Easter with whoever you want, as the famous Italian saying goes. In Rome, the center of the Catholic world explodes. The Pope celebrates mass in St. Peter’s, and on Good Friday he leads the Via Crucis at the Colosseum. It is a very popular, evocative and super crowded event. Even those who are not religious often participate, more for the charm of the ritual than for faith. As for Easter lunch, it is usually made with lamb and Roman-style artichokes. Then there is the Easter Monday barbecue. Practically two days dedicated to food and desserts.
Holidays in Rome are an opportunity to mix the sacred and the profane, tradition and improvisation. There are those who take advantage of it to rest, those to leave, those to spend time with family and those to party. But one thing is certain: in Rome, when there is a holiday, something always happens. Because in Rome, even holidays are an art. Take part in one of our tours and fun is guaranteed!
