Discover all the activities in program to celebrate Rome’s birthday
On Sunday 21st April, Rome celebrates its 2777th 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 dramatic society called the Gruppo Storico Romano will bring history to life by re-enacting battles, rituals, ceremonies, and even gladiatorial fights.
This year the grand theme of the celebration is “ROMA: REGINA VIARUM”. The main venue that will be hosting most of the mass-entertainment events is the beloved Circus Maximus, an ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium. All the events are scheduled within the three days from 19 to 21 April 2024.
On Friday 19 April, the ceremony of the “Renewal of the Sacred Fire” will take place at at Piazza in Campo Marzio in the afternoon, followed by a celebratory concert at piazza della Rotonda – Pantheon.
The program for Saturday, April 20th, includes:
- 2 p.m. – Circus Maximus – Opening ritual and dedication of the games to the Gods
- 3 p.m. – Archaeological Area of the Circus Maximus – Game of Harpastum, a distant relative of the game of football
- 3 p.m. – Gladiators Area of Circus Maximus – Gladiator Tournament Qualifications
- 4 p.m. Circus Maximus – Ancient Dances
- 5:00 p.m. – Circus Maximus Gladiators Area – Tournament between gladiator schools
- 7:45 p.m. – Circus Maximus – Stage – Maurizio Battista presents Un Sorriso per Roma
- 8:00 p.m. on the Circus Maximus stage, the Italian Army Band will perform
The annual Historical Parade is scheduled for the Sunday 21st of April. With the opening ceremony taking place at 9 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.
Guided tours and workshops in the civic museums and archaeological sites of Rome Capital
SPECIAL EVENTS
On Saturday, April 20th, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., at the Villa of Maxentius, on the IV mile of the Appian Way, you can participate in the inauguration of the new lighting designed by the Capitoline Superintendence for Cultural Heritage to enhance the monumental remains present in the approximately 20 hectares of the archaeological area and allow visitors access after sunset for special events.
From April 21st, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., in the renovated multifunctional space of the Sala Santa Rita, in via Montanara, next to the Theater of Marcellus, you can visit the free exhibition “The Goddess Roma by Pietro Tenerani”.
GUIDED TOURS, MEETINGS, AND WORKSHOPS
The celebrations for the birthday of Rome are also an opportunity to discover the history and secrets of the city through the observation and narration of works, monuments, artistic and cultural testimonies. Click here to discover the program of guided tours and workshops organized by the Capitoline Superintendence for Cultural Heritage.
