Rome's birthday 2017, Rome
Rome celebrates its birthday every year on April 21, the day of its foundation. Celebration lasts for several days and is accompanied by many interesting performances.
Despite the fact that in the city there is no official day off on April 21, a spectacular festival is held. The Romans and guests of the Eternal City visit it with pleasure.
Venue: Circus Maximus, Via dei Fori Imperiali, Rome.
Date: April 21–23, 2017.
Cost: free of charge.
Rome’s birthday program 2017
In 2017, Rome celebrates its 2770th anniversary. Celebration will last several days.
April 21, Friday
Circus Maximus, the largest race track of ancient Rome, will be the venue for major events on Friday, for Rome Day 2017.
From 9:00 to 18:00 you can see the photo exhibition of the previous celebration.
From 9:00 to 16:00 you can visit educational exhibitions:
- Roman school in ancient Rome.
- Religion in Ancient Rome.
- The Roman women: clothes and make-up.
- Legionaries and Praetorian Guards.
- Gladiators: weapons and fighting equipment.
During the exhibition, gladiators' fights will be held.
From 12:00 to 13:00 – a meeting with writer Rossella Cirigliano.
From 13:00 to 14:00 – a meeting with writer Santiago Posteguillo.
From 14:00 to 16:00 – games of Ancient Rome for children.
At 16:00, the Palilia ceremony will be held.
From 17:00 to 24:00 visitors can expect other interesting performances.
April 22, Saturday
The celebrations will continue on the territory of Circus Maximus.
From 9:00 to 18:00 you can see the photo exhibition of the previous celebration.
From 9:00 to 16:00 you can visit educational exhibitions:
- Roman school in ancient Rome.
- Religion in Ancient Rome.
- The Roman women: clothes and make-up.
- Legionaries and Praetorian Guards.
- Gladiators: weapons and fighting equipment.
During the exhibition, gladiators' fights will be held.
From 10:30 to 11:30 – a meeting with writer Giuseppe Cascarino.
From 11:30 to 12:30 – a meeting with writer Andrea Frediani.
From 12:30 to 14:00 – a meeting with engineers on the theme "Constructions in ancient Rome during the time of Emperor Trajan".
From 14:00 to 17:00 – games of Ancient Rome for children.
From 17:00 to 20:00 the guests of the holiday can enjoy live music and various performances.
April 23, Sunday
On this day, the main events will take place not only on the territory of Circus Maximus, but also on Via dei Fori Imperiali.
From 9:00 to 18:00 you can see the photo exhibition of the previous celebration.
From 10:00 to 11:00 – the opening ceremony of the Commissio Feriarum, the ritual of kindling the fire, will be held.
At 11:15 the procession will begin.
At 12:15 – laying a laurel wreath at the statue of Trajan at Via dei Fori Imperiali.
From 15:00 to 17:30 – performances within the historical reconstruction of Circus Maximus.
Through the ages to the birth of traditions
The legend says that the settlement on the site of present-day Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus, the sons of the Latin princess Rhea and the god of Mars. It happened in 753 BC.
In ancient times, Natale di Roma was celebrated as the main spring holiday. After, traditions disappeared. This event was revived only in the 19th century, after the Italian unification.
Every year on April 21, according to the tradition, Rome opens its gates for its inhabitants and guests. During the holiday many historical shows, costumed processions, gladiatorial fights, horse parade, fairs and much more are held.
Having visited Rome on its birthday, you can learn a lot of interesting things about its history and traditions, see a lot of spectacular performances, sample old Italian cuisine.
Historical Parade and the Goddess of Rome
Among all the activities the most popular is the Historic procession, which is headed by the Goddess of Rome. It is chosen at a special competition, which is held since 2004. Any girl from 18 to 30 years old living in Italy or other countries that were once part of the Roman Empire, can take part in it. It is important, the Goddess of Rome to have true Italian beauty and worthy spiritual qualities.
Reconstruction of historical events involves a lot of organizers from all over Europe. Thanks to this long and laborious process on the Day of Rome, people dress in red robes, armour of legionnaires, and in a moment the city is transferred to its origins. On these days you can visit souvenir shops and see evening fireworks.