Discover all the activities in program to celebrate Rome’s birthday
On Monday 21st April, Rome celebrates its 2778th birthday, known as Natale di Roma. This annual celebration commemorates the founding of Rome by Romulus in the year 753 BC. Parades, historical re-enactments, free museums, important inaugurations are all happening on the Natale di Roma. Discover the program of events.
Gruppo Storico Romano
The historical reenactment society known as the Gruppo Storico Romano will bring history to life through dramatic re-enactments of battles, rituals, ceremonies, and even gladiatorial combat.
This year, the grand theme of the celebration is “IL FUOCO DI ROMA” (“The Fire of Rome”). The main venue hosting most of the large-scale entertainment will be the beloved Circus Maximus, the ancient Roman stadium once used for chariot races. All events are scheduled to take place over three days, from April 19 to April 21, 2025.
On Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Circus Maximus, don’t miss Meet the Authors — a special opportunity to attend presentations of books that explore Rome, its history, myths, and the art of historical reenactment in all its forms.
Saturday, April 19, 2025 – 12:00 PM on the Main Stage at Circus Maximus will feature the Final of the “Dea Roma” Contest. The contestants will parade in outfits inspired by classical iconography before an exceptional jury made up of cultural figures, entertainers, and institutional representatives. The winner will be crowned Dea Roma 2025 and will lead the grand historical parade on Monday, April 21 along Via dei Fori Imperiali.
Saturday, April 19, 2025 – 2:30 PM at the “Nando Martellini” Stadium (near the Baths of Caracalla), the International HARPASTUM Tournament will take place! This ancient Roman game, a predecessor of modern football and rugby, was once played by legionaries to build strength, agility, teamwork, and endurance.
Also on Saturday, April 19, 2025, the Natale di Roma – Dies Natalis 2778 a.V.C. will set the heart of the Capital ablaze with the 3rd Edition of the VLFHGAR International Gladiator Tournament! An epic event where fake blood and real passion will ignite the arena! Nine gladiator schools from six different countries will come together to celebrate history, honor, and courage.
On Sunday, April 20, starting at 2:30 PM, various performances and displays will take place once again at Circus Maximus, culminating at 7:00 PM with the evocative Renewal of the Sacred Fire ceremony.
The annual Historical Parade is scheduled for the Monday 21st of April. With the opening ceremony taking place at 9.30 am at Circus Maximus. The celebratory procession will depart at 11 am following the route towards Piazza Venezia and Colosseum, making it back to the Circus Maximus by 2pm. Following at 3pm the Circus Maximus will re-enact the Tracciato del Solco, the founding act of Rome and its millennial history and at 3.30pm you can see performances by the participating historical groups, Rite of Palilia and the Battle of Spartacus.
For more information on the Natale di Roma head over to natalidiroma.it or check out their Facebook page.
The Festa di Roma on Capitoline Hill
Shows, concerts, workshops, performances, activities for children, and much more.
On the occasion of the 2,778th birthday of Rome, the Capitoline Hill will transform into an open-air stage, ready to host a full day of free cultural events celebrating the city’s rich and timeless history.
From 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the vast area of the Campidoglio will become a vibrant cultural hub with a wide range of free entertainment and activities: live music, dance performances, poetry and theater happenings, history lectures about Rome, street art, and fun recreational events for kids.
The Civic Museums of Rome will also be open with regular ticketing, while the Capitoline Museums will offer free admission exclusively for residents of Rome and the Metropolitan City.
The highlight of the day will be the evening concert by IL MURO DEL CANTO, the iconic folk-rock band, performing at 8:45 PM in Piazza del Campidoglio.
