Natale di Roma (Rome’s Birthday)
Would you like to celebrate the birthday of Rome together with tens of thousands of others? Every year on April 21st there is a big celebration of the birthday of Rome. If you are in town, you should definitely check it out.
What’s going on in Rome on this special day? There are several programs and events, but the most important events are the following.
Gladiator parade at Circus Maximus.
This is definitely one of the highlights of the day. There are normally programs going on throughout the day at Circus Maximus on April 21st, and sometimes there are events also on multiple days.
It isn’t always easy to find out exactly what will happen when on April 21st, so the best option is probably to walk by Circus Maximus on April 21st to see what is happening and/or to ask your hotel or host in Rome for more detailed information.
If we still have to give some information, the program normally starts around 10.00 with a giant parade with more than 1000 people in historical costumes marching from Circus Maximus to Piazza Venezia to Via dei Fori Imperiali, around the Colosseum, and then back to Circus Maximus.
Concerts at Piazza del Campidoglio.
There are often concerts and events on April 21st. Piazza del Campidoglio is a very popular square on this day, so you will most likely be able to enjoy several concerts if you go to the square on this special day.
There are sometimes special other events as well, like when Ennio Morricone performed on April 21st in 2022.
Fireworks along the River.
What better way to celebrate a birthday than with fireworks? Normally this is arranged in the evening, but once again, no exact information is given and there is not a set time and place where you have to be if you want to enjoy this.
Once again a good piece of advice is to speak with someone in your hotel for exact information on the given day.
It is also worth knowing that most museums and parks are open for free to the public on this special day! Even though it is a holiday, all stores, shops, and restaurants are open. In other words, this is a day for fun in all ways in Rome.