Rome birthday. On April 21, 753 BC Romulus is said to have founded the city. With this date the chronology of the city begins and thus in the year 2023 (in Roman numerals MMXXIII) we have the year 2776 (MMDCCLXXVI) since the foundation of Rome.
The founding day of Rome is celebrated in a big way. The date was calculated by the astrologer Tarunzio, a friend of Cicero, shortly before the turn of the Christian era.
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Events for Rome’s birthday
The Gruppo Storico Romano organizes exhibitions, events and a parade every year at the Circus Maximus on the founding day of Rome. In 2023 the festivities will take place from 20 to 23 April.
Historical groups from around the world take part. In the Maximus Circus there is not only an arena for the plays, but also a large village with Roman and barbarian camps. There are different scenarios from the archaic period to the late imperial period.
There is also a magical night at the Pantheon in a scenic atmosphere.
The grand parade on Sunday April 23 will go from Circus Maximus to Piazza Venezia and across the Imperial Forums past the Colosseum to the Circus Maximus. Gruppo Storico Romano on Facebook>
The Castrum
As in the past, the Gruppo Storico Romano builds a Castrum at the Circus Maximus. From April 21 to 23 is the area for demonstrations and the didactic area on civil, military and religious life in ancient Rome. There is also a photographic exhibition of the previous editions of the “Birthday of Rome”.
For children there is a gladiator school.
The program
The theme of the year 2023 is Roma Regina Aquarum. A conference is dedicated to it in the Auditorium of the Ara Pacis, the Altar of Peace of Emperor Augustus.
Performances at the Circus Maximus
The participating groups perform each afternoon. There are gladiator fights, ancient dances, theater and re-enactments of historical moments.
Thursday
19:30 Renewal of the sacred fire – Piazza in Campo Marzio.
20:00 At the Pantheon BENEDICTIO VRBI Historical spectacle for the founding day of Rome
Friday
Photo exhibition 10 – 18

Information stands on civil, military and religious life, gladiator school for children 10 – 14
Rito ai numi romani Rite to honor and remember the values of the Roman world. – Circo Massimo 11 – 12
Meeting with writers 11 – 14
17:30 Tracciato del Solco Re-enactment of the founding of the city with a representation between history and legend in four acts – Circo Massimo
18:30 Le Palille Re-enactment by the Vestals of the feast of the Palilia: an ancient agricultural-pastoral festival sacred to Pales, patron deity of the flocks and herds – Circo Massimo
Concert of the Italian Army 19 – 20:30
Saturday

Photo exhibition 10 – 18
Training camp of gladiator schools 10 – 12
Information stands on civil, military and religious life, gladiator school for children 10 – 14
Meeting with writers 11 – 14
12:00 Military Sacrament
HARPASTUM – Roman soccer 15 – 16:30
Gladiator fights 15 – 16
1st tournament “Ulphgar” between gladiator schools 17:30 – 19
Traditional chants “Lavinia al Circo Massimo” and coronation of DEA ROMA 2023 19 – 21
Sunday

09:00 Gathering of the groups in the Circus Maximus
10:00 Address by the President
10:30 COMMISSIO FERIARUM – Opening Ceremony
11:00 HISTORICAL PROCESSION It goes from Circus Maximus to the Theater of Marcellus – Piazza Venezia – Via dei Fori Imperiali – Via di San Gregorio, and back to Circus Maximus
14:00 Concert by the Municipal Police Band
from 15:00:
Shows of historical groups with gladiator games, dances and theater.
Historical reconstruction of the Marcomannic Wars
I will be in Rome on April 20th and the 21st 2019.I am interested in viewing a parade.I need help finding time and location of events.
Hi Steven, the parade is on Monday 22 but 20 and 21 are several shows at the Circus Maximus. The rite on Sunday 21 at the fori imperiali starting 10 am shall be interesting too.
Here you find information about April in Rome.
Hello, 2 Qs:
All dates here are for 2019 right (as I see some of the comments are from 2018..)?
Also, do you know when are the fireworks show in the Colosseum?
Thank in advance.
Hi Yaron,
yes, all information is updated to 2019.
I have no evidence about fireworks at the Colosseum. Fireworks shall be June 29 on the Pincio above Piazza del Popolo.
On New Years Eve there were fireworks on the Palatine Hill. I took some picture and posted them on our Facebook Page.
Grazie Bernhard , that’s helped a lot!
Hi Bernhard,
Thank you very much ! I have sent off the participation form.
Kind regards,
Peter
Does anybody know how you get to take part in the costumed parade procession ?
Can you just turn up and join in ?
Thanks for any help.
Hi Peter,
on the website http://www.natalidiroma.it/ you can download the participation form “modulo_gruppi_ENG_2018”.
Have fun