Spring Rome shines on sunny days, attracts guests with the fragrance of parks and the secrets of ancient monuments. The capital is especially delightful on City Day (Natale di Roma), which celebrated on April 21. A series of exciting celebrations begins 3 days before the treasured date and circles the eternal city in a colorful kaleidoscope.
Story
Sources that reliably narrate about the times of the birth of Rome are now not found. The main legend says that the sons of the Latin princess Rhea and the powerful god Mars, -Romulus (Latin: Romulus) and Rem (Latin: Remus) founded a small settlement on the Palatine Hill (Palatino) in 753 BC.
Various systems of chronology and inaccuracies in the annals do not allow to accurately determine the date of the appearance of the Eternal City. However, the official birthday of Rome is considered to be April 21.
In ancient times, City Day was regularly celebrated as a spring holiday. Then, many traditions were buried in the ruins of the Roman Empire. The capital of Italy regained its day only in the 19th century after the Unification.
During World War II, celebrations were also banned. Only after 1945 Rome finally secured the right to its own birthday.
Traditions
Goddess of Rome (Dea Roma)
One of the glorious traditions of City Day celebrations is contest of girlish beauty for the title of "Goddess of Rome". In 2019, the 19th appearance of the Italian goddesses will take place. The main condition of the competition: youth, charm and harmonious embodiment of the image of a resident of Olympus.
2018 Winner -charming Eleanor Pinca will lead the parade, solemnly marching through the Via dei Fori Imperiali on April 19th. Also, the newly-made goddess will take an active part in productions illustrating Ancient Rome and its traditions, as part of the celebration of Palila.
Historical parade
Central to the celebrations a historical parade in which hundreds of people dressed in the fashion of ancient Rome take part. Representatives of clubs reconstructing historical events from different parts of Europe and Italy, as well as enthusiasts of the great empire, put on red robes, legionnaire armor, toga patricians and arrange a spectacular move.
The whole action ends with scenes from the history of the Empire and gladiatorial battles in the Circus Maximus (Latin Circus Maximus). In high esteem performances of masters of the school of gladiatorslocated in Rome, which was founded in 1994.
Food, free admission to museums, attractions
Reincarnated vestals, Roman warriors, gladiators, Ostrogoths, Normans, as well as numerous spectators, it is customary to regale with simple Italian cuisine. Most curious - hearty veal and pork dishes, cheese stews, rice with parmesan sauce and pasta.
A nice bonus to the overall fun is the fact that On April 21, guests of the capital will be able to visit most museums in Rome for free!
Sightseeing points of the spring celebration are the most popular sights of the capital: Colosseo, Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna), Fontana di Trevi, Forum Romanum.
Pantheon phenomenon
Lovers of puzzles and wonders will surely drop by Pantheon on April 21. The ancient temple is endowed with an interesting feature: the only source of natural light is the round window of the Oculus (lat. Oculus) at the very top of the dome. It is on Rome’s Birthday, at exactly noon, that the ray of sun hits exactly the entrance of the Pantheon.
- See a photo report of how we enjoyed this magical action last year.
The ancient Romans believed that the gods thus called on the emperor to enter the temple and vest him with power. Millennia have passed, and the pillar of light falling from heaven to the central entrance of the ancient temple makes a powerful impression of unearthly grace.
Rome City Day Program 2019
Its 2769th birthday Eternal city will celebrate the lawful 3 days:
Friday April 19th
- During the day, cultural events will take place in the halls of the Capitoline Palace (Palazzo del Campidoglio), located on Capitol Square (Piazza del Campidoglio).
Saturday, April 20
- From 9:00 to 16:00, ceremonial and cultural events will take place on the territory of the Circus Maximus.
- At 16:00 - epic battles recreated by the Roman school of gladiators in the Circus Maximus.
- From 17:00 - celebrations in honor of the ancient Roman festival of Palila in the Circus Maximus.
Sunday, April 21
- At 10:00, the opening ceremony of the celebration of Rome Day in the Circus Maximus will take place, marked by the lighting of a solemn fire.
- At 11:00 a grand historic procession starts from the walls of the Circus Maximus, which will end at noon at the Roman Forum.
- From 15:00 to 18:00 performance of groups of historical reconstruction in the Circus Maximus.
- At 21:00 there will be a big free concert
Monday, April 22
The grand historic parade will begin at 11:00 at the Circus Maximus and will take place along the Imperial Forums (Fori Imperiali). At the Circus, the holiday will be until about 17:00.
- You can clarify the current program and changes on the website: www.natalidiroma.it
