Home » Short Breaks » Articles » Rome » Rome celebrates its birthday

Rome celebrates its birthday

27th March 2008

While Rome was not built in a day, for one day each year the founding of the Italian capital is celebrated in the city.

April 21st is a festive day in Rome, when locals and visitors come together to honour the beginnings of the city.

Legend has it that twins Remus and Romulus were responsible for founding the city in 753 BC on this date and to this day, festivities mark this momentous occasion in world history.

Apart from the parades, speeches, shows and exhibitions, the celebration of Rome's origins sees the city lit up with candles burning on Aventine Hill as well as a spectacular fireworks display on the evening of the 21st.

The preceding weekend will also feature special events, such as ballet performances, Ludi gladiatori - the training of gladiators at Via Appia Antica 18, rituals performed near the Temple of Vesta and the Great Parade, which is expected to see 1,000 participants march along the Via dei Fori Imperiali.

Il Tracciato del solco - the trench digging - is a free performance at the end of the celebrations which will be held near Priscilla's Tomb in Via Appia Antica 76 on April 21st.

Visitors who have not had enough history during the celebration of Rome's 2,760th birthday, have the opportunity to explore the city's many other historical sites, which include the Colosseum, Pantheon and Catacombs of St Callixtus.

Join the birthday celebrations in Rome.

Recommended Rome Breaks

4* Radisson SAS Rome from £509
4 Star
The Radisson SAS Hotel in Rome is a contemporary and minimalist style hotel. The hotel has 235 stylish bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms (seperated from the bedrooms by frosted... More Info

3* Adriano from £449
3 Star
The Adriano Hotel is a comfortable hotel with 80 ensuite bedrooms. The hotel is located in the historic centre of Rome close to the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Shopping,... More Info