Special Events in Rome
Special events in Rome can add even more to the experience of visiting this amazing “Eternal City” that already has so much to offer its millions of visitors. Many of Rome’s festivals and other events are exciting cultural affairs and diverse in nature with themes that run from historical to social to religious. Following are just a few of Rome’s annual special events.
Procession of the Cross
This is one of the biggest events of Easter in Rome. The Way of the Cross or Via Crucis torchlight procession is lead by the Pope from the famous Colosseum to Palatine Hill, which is at the center of the Seven Hills of Rome. The procession observes the last walk of Christ on His way to Mt. Golgotha. Those who take part in the procession stop along the way at each of the fourteen Stations of the Cross to pray.
Rome’s Birthday
Rome is one of the few cities in the world that celebrates its birthday. Each April 21st the people of Rome celebrate the founding of their city in 753 BC. The celebration includes bands playing on the Piazza del Campidoglio and a fireworks display over the Tiber River. An added bonus for visitors is that admission to all of Rome’s monuments, museums, and famous archeological sites is free on this day.
Roman Summer
Every summer the city of Rome features an entire calendar of events. A series of programs that include music, dancing, film, and literature are performed throughout Rome at some of the city’s archeological sites, beautiful parks, and in private courtyards. Roman Summer usually runs from approximately the 1st of June through the 1st of September.
RomeEuropa Festival
Another three month long event, the RomeEuropa Festival features the finest modern performances in music, opera, theater, and dance. The performances are by up-and-coming and leading international acts and are held at locations throughout Rome along with the city’s main arts center and the Auditorium Parco della Musica. The RomeEuropa Festival runs from approximately September 1 to November 30.
Christmas Mass
Each year on Christmas Eve the Pope holds Midnight Mass in St. Peter’s square in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, the second largest Christian church in the world. Pilgrims come from around the world to attend and his sermon is broadcast to more than 40 countries. Reserved tickets are a definite must to attend this celebration.