Italy celebrates Women’s Day
To be a woman in the modern age is not an easy feat. The lives that 50% of the world’s population now lead, are largely due to the activism and accomplishments of those before them. On March 8th the world will celebrate the achievements of women in social, economic and political spheres in what is known as International Women’s Day or Festa della Donna in Italian.
The day began in remembrance of a strike that occurred on the same day in the year 1908, where 15,000 female garment workers in New York, protested poor working conditions. Later, the day became the date of many protests and demonstrations by women including a Russian women’s strike in 1917 for “bread and peace”. But it was only after WWII in 1946 that the date of March 8th was set by Teresa Mattei, director of the Italian Women’s Union. Mattei subsequently chose the yellow mimosa flower as the symbol for International Women’s Day in Italy.
The mimosa flower, originally of the acacia species, but commonly known as mimosa was first introduced to Europe in 1820. And because it was a widespread, fast-growing shrub, Mattei found that it was the best affordable choice as opposed to the French symbol of violets. Nowadays, men give the flower to the women in their lives as a way to show their appreciation, and women offer each other the flower as a sign of solidarity.
Another interesting custom of Festa della Donna is the torta mimosa, a yellow crumbled sponge cake reminiscent of the appearance of the mimosa flower with a custard center and a hint of orange. The celebration itself may have become a spin-off Valentine’s but it still serves as a day to commemorate female resilience.
Rome this year is preparing to celebrate Women’s Day with free admission for women in Italian state museums and archaeological sites and events including exhibitions, performances and food festivals. Whether you’re a local or a visitor take part in the festivities to recognise women’s invaluable contributions to society.
Here are some ideas for you for how to celebrate the day in Rome.
Free Admission for women in Italian state museums and archaeological sites
Museums and cultural heritage sites, including the Colosseum, will offer free entry to women in honor of IWD and will also make a point to highlight works of art featuring women on the day.
Info: turismoroma.it
Exhibitions in major museums and city walks
The city of Rome is hosting a series of events from Thursday 7 to Saturday 9 March to celebrate women’s roles in art and culture, as well as to honour influential female figures in the city’s social and cultural life.
The city has also prepared women-centred itineraries, such as a walk through the Colonna and Campo Marzio neighborhood, and a visit to the Street Art in San Lorenzo.
Check out the program for museum visits and walks below…
MUSEUMS
7 March, 4:30pm
Ritratti al femminile
MUSEO DI ROMA A PALAZZO BRASCHI
Piazza S. Pantaleo/Piazza Navona
8 March, 11am
Eroismo al femminile. Le donne della Repubblica Romana
MUSEO DELLA REPUBBLICA ROMANA
Largo di Porta S. Pancrazio
8 March, 3pm
Donne in Pinacoteca
MUSEI CAPITOLINI
Piazza del Campidoglio, 1 – Meeting point: Pinacoteca Capitolina entrance
8 March, 3pm
Storie di donne alla GAM!
GALLERIA D’ARTE MODERNA
Via Francesco Crispi, 24
8 March, 4:30pm
La lezione di Lucia Sebastiani: la passione per gli archivi
ARCHIVIO STORICO CAPITOLINO, SALA OVALE
Piazza dell’Orologio, 4
8 March, 5pm
Hilde e l’Italia. Visita alla mostra
MUSEO DI ROMA IN TRASTEVERE
Piazza S. Egidio, 1/b
8 March, 5:30pm
Il prezzo della libertà: storie di donne della Roma di Augusto
MERCATI DI TRAIANO
Via IV Novembre, 94
WALKS
7 March, 10am
Un percorso nella Street Art a San Lorenzo
Parco Caduti 19 Luglio 1943, entry on via dei Peligni
9 March, 5:30pm
Essere donna a Roma tra il XVI e il XVIII secolo
Piazza S. Silvestro, corner of via delle Convertite
Info: comune.roma.it
Cacio & Pepe Festival
At Eataly Roma, indulge in a flavorful journey through the tastes of Roman cuisine. Using the finest quality ingredients, Eataly chefs and special guests, like Felice a Testaccio e Pastificio Secondi, will showcase one of Rome’s most iconic dishes, the cacio e pepe, in various forms: from the classic tonnarello to a “modern” version with Roman pecorino cream and a mix of Sichuan peppers.
Eataly – Piazzale XII Ottobre 1492 (Ostiense)
Info: romeing.it/eataly-cacio-pepe-festival
Aperitivo and Dj Set at CVLTO in Trastevere
A very nice option in the heart of Trastevere will be CVLTO. On 8 March their aperitivo will be accompanied by music by the acoustic trio Le Charlie, and later the night will go on with a dj-set by Francesca Romana D’Andrea.
Vicolo del Quartiere, 7A
Party in the Sky at Rinascente
If you like to do something truly special on this Women’s Day we highly suggest checking out the “Party in the Sky” at the Rinascente building (located in Piazza Fiume). The Rinascente is a mall but its penthouse hosts a beautiful restaurant and this is where the party starts with a set-menu for dinner and then dance till 2am. 2 very good DJs will play all night as you dance with a wonderful view of Rome. You may also come after dinner from 10:30pm, but please remember to RSVP with @RooftoplifeRome or contact us
Piazza Fiume
Dolcenera concert
On March the 8th, for Women’s Day, the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dolcenera returns to the Auditorium. She will associate each natural element with a selection of her own songs as well as songs from other artists. The concert starts at 9pm at the Auditorium Parco della Musica. Click here to buy tickets.
Auditorium Parco della Musica
9pm
