Rome Cultural Events and Festivals
Introduction to Rome Cultural Events and Festivals
Rome is an exciting place to visit any time of year, but it is always worth checking before your trip to see what’s on. Since it is such an essential canter for religion, particularly for Roman Catholicism, many festivals are religious.
Although the capital of Italy is known for its delicious restaurants, beautiful architecture, stellar beaches, and brilliant shopping scene, the best events in Rome are exciting happenings worth traveling to Europe all on their own. Bringing tourists and locals out together into town piazzas, gardens, and cultural venues, these annual festivities function as deep dives into a slice of culture that, usually, only Romans get to experience.
What to expect? Given the proximity to Vatican City, it is no surprise that many religious holidays are marked by elaborate celebrations that draw visitors from abroad. At the same time, neighborhoods put on smaller events to commemorate patron saints or historic events. Not to forget are the fantastic culinary festivals that celebrate the country’s renowned cuisine, including Taste of Roma. At this giant food fest, patrons can sample established chefs’ and emerging cooks’ fare.
Rome Cultural Events and Festivals: La Befana Epiphany
The Feast of the Epiphany or La Befana Ephiphany takes place on January 6 to mark the end of the Christmas celebrations. In Italian tradition, La Befana is a friendly – if unsightly – witch who leaves sweets and trinkets for children in a sock. This public holiday is celebrated with numerous gatherings in Rome’s main squares (meetings that include many witches). At Vatican City, the Pope hosts a solemn mass to commemorate the three wise men’s visit to baby Jesus. Traditionally, Italian children are given small gifts and sweets on this day. Hundreds of people process towards the Vatican in medieval dress, carrying symbolic gifts for the Pope. A celebration occurs on the Piazza Navona with dancing, music, and entertainment.
Rome Cultural Events and Festivals: Lungo il Tevere: Estate
The Estate Romane, or Roman Summer Festival, is an unmissable annual highlight. Held from June through September, the festival boasts an outdoor cinema on Isola Tiberina, bar and restaurant specials along the Tiber River, outdoor operas and ballets in the Baths of Caracalla, a lively calendar of nightlife events at Gay Village, and many more shows throughout the city. Some of the most exciting events are held within cultural heritage sites, like the International Chamber Ensemble concerts at the courtyard of Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza church and the Concerti del Tempietto, held beneath the arcades of Teatro Marcello.
Taste of Roma
If you’re in town at the end of September, Taste of Roma should be on your to-do list. This enormous food festival is a great way to eat through the city and sample the cuisines of Rome’s best chefs and emerging food personalities. Expect more details closer to the date of the event.
Carnevale and Lent
February is one of Rome’s most exciting months as it sees the Carnevale, the festival preceding the Christian period of Lent. Events occur throughout Rome, starting with a costume parade through the Via del Corso. There are performances and events for children in Rome’s squares, and an artificial ice rink is often set up in the Castel Sant’ Angelo.
Easter in Rome
Easter is one of the most important celebrations in the Catholic church. During the two-week Easter period, many thousands of pilgrims journey to Rome to witness the religious celebrations. The highlight is, undoubtedly, the Easter Mass held in St. Peter’s Square.
Rome Cultural Events and Festivals: Natale di Roma (Rome’s Birthday)
April 21st April 21st is the day on which the legendary foundation of Rome, which took place in 753 BC, is celebrated. According to legend, Rome was founded by Romulus on April 21, and April 21The city continues to mark its date of birth with festivities and events, including concerts, a parade, and historical reenactments at Circo Massimo. Entry charges are waived for many archaeological sites, monuments, and museums. Celebrations include a parade of gladiators at the Circus Maximus, concerts at the Piazza del Campidoglio, and a fireworks display over the River Tiber.
Rome Cultural Events and Festivals: Festa de’ Noantri
Festa de’ Noantri (“festival for the rest of us” in Roman dialect) is an ancient religious celebration of the Madonna of Mount Carmel at the end of July. During an elaborate procession, a statue of the Virgin Mary is carried from the church of San Agata through Trastevere to the church of San Crisgono; it is then returned eight days later to its original home via boat along the Tiber River.
Città della Pizza
The best Italian pizzaioli (pizza makers) gather in Rome annually to celebrate one of the country’s most beloved foods. Expect to devour all sorts of variations on the classic, from the fluffy Neapolitan pie to the thin Roman-crust one, fried pizza, and pizza by the slice. Sure, you’ll eat a lot, but you’ll also learn about the art of pizza making in workshop sessions.
Festa Madonna della Neve
Legend has it that, in 358 BC, a nobleman and his childless wife vowed to donate their possessions to the Virgin Mary and prayed for a sign on how to proceed. The Virgin Mary appeared to the couple in a dream and left a snowfall on Esquiline Hill, instructing them to erect a church in her honor: the present-day Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. Today, this miraculous event is marked with an artificial snow shower in the piazza at the height of summer.
VinòForum
When in Rome, you can’t miss the chance to taste all the wines, and a great place to do just that is at VinòForum, a wine festival held in the north of Rome each June. This year marks the event’s 16th edition and will feature over 2,500 wines from 500 producers and pop-up restaurants serving gourmet foods prepared by Michelin-starred chefs. You can also sign up for master classes and guided wine tastings at the VinoForum Academy.
Christmas in Rome
Christmas is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Rome: the Eternal City comes alive with religious celebrations, markets, and events to mark the critical season. The festivities begin with a Christmas tree lighting and a nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square on December 7 or 8. On Christmas Eve, expect a midnight mass at the Vatican, and on Christmas Day, a large mass in St. Peter’s Square, listen to the Pope’s Urbi et Orbi speech. Also, visit the lively annual Christmas market in Piazza Navona.
Festa Del Cinema di Roma
Since 2006, Rome Film Fest has turned the contemporary Auditorium Parco della Musica into one of the world’s most significant red-carpet events, complete with dozens of screenings and retrospectives, plus tributes and panels led by Italian and international celebrities from the world of cinema. Tickets sell out in advance, so consult the online calendar to plan your visit and catch your favorite films.
Ides of March
Each year on March 15, or the Ides of March, Rome marks the anniversaryMarch 15us Caesar’s untimely death with a reenactment period. Caesar was one of Rome’s most essential dictators, and his senators murdered him during a meeting in 44 BC near the Largo, Argentina, archeological site. This unique event sees dozens of actors and actresses dress up in Roman togas and engage in animated discussions before dealing Julius Caesar the final blow.
Cortili Aperti
Italy’s dimore storiche, or historic homes, are some of the most fascinating cultural attractions in the country. These extravagant villas, castles, and palaces are private residences that infrequently open their doors to the public, so you should go when you can step inside. This year, Rome’s most opulent homes will open their leafy courtyards during free, guided tours in May. This event is a beautiful opportunity to see a hidden side of the city and admire cultural heritage in its original setting.
Festa della Repubblica (Republic Day)
June 2nd is when the founding of the Italian Republic in 1946 waJune 2ated. A military parade occurs on the Via dei Fori Imperiali leading towards the Colosseum. Overhead, display planes leave multi-colored smoke trails depicting the Italian flag and the army bands playing in the Quirinale Gardens.
Rome Cultural Events and Festivals: Rome Marathon
Rome is an eternal and unique city, full of charm and surprises. The 42,195km Rome Marathon will take you to the most incredible sights, following the steps of Roman gladiators and hundreds of thousands of marathoners in the past 25 years. And even though the Rome Marathon we know today started in 1995, it has very ancient roots. Indeed, Dorando Pietri crossed its finish line on April 2, 1906.
Picture yourself running the famous Maratona Di Roma on antique cobblestones, passing 2he Colosseum, along the Fori Imperiali, up to the Vatican,n and through St. Peters Square as Pope Francis might be taking the Sunday Morning Mass. Running the “Run Rome the Marathon” is like running in an open-air museum!
