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On 21 April 753 BC, Romulus is said to have founded the city of Rome. This date marks the beginning of the city’s chronology – in 2026, Rome therefore celebrates its 2,779th birthday (in Roman numerals: MMDCCLXXIX). The founding date was calculated by the astrologer Tarutius, a friend of Cicero, shortly before the beginning of the Christian era.
Rome’s founding day is celebrated in style every year: with a magnificent historical parade in ancient costumes, gladiatorial combat, age-old rituals and a bustling encampment at the Circus Maximus. The 2026 celebrations are held under the motto “Rome – City of Law and Hospitality” and take place from 17 to 21 April.
Events for Rome’s Birthday
The celebrations are organised by the Gruppo Storico Romano, which invites historical groups from around the world to Rome every year. The centrepiece of the festivities is the Circus Maximus, where an extensive encampment is set up with Roman and barbarian castrums – featuring scenes from the archaic period through to the late Imperial era. Further venues include the Campus Martius near the Pantheon, the Temple of Venus and Roma in the Roman Forum, the Baths of Diocletian and the Piazza del Campidoglio.
Programme 2026
Friday, 17 April
The festivities open in the evening on the Campus Martius: at 7:30 pm on the Piazza in Campo Marzio, the ceremonial Renewal of the Sacred Fire takes place. At 8:00 pm, the historic spectacle Benedictio Vrbi and the coronation of Dea Roma is performed near the Pantheon to mark Rome’s founding day – a magical evening in a truly unique setting.
Saturday, 18 April
At 10:00 am, the castrum opens its gates at the Circus Maximus: throughout the day there are photo exhibitions (10 am–6 pm), information stands on civil, military and religious life in ancient Rome as well as a gladiatorial school for children (10 am–2 pm) and meetings with authors..
Starting at 1:00 pm, there will be shows and dances, including the “Ulphgar” gladiator tournament, the gladiator school tournament, ancient dances, and concerts.
Starting at 5:00 pm, the international Harpastum tournament begins in the stadium near the Baths of Caracalla, where international teams compete against each other in a spectacular reenactment of ancient Roman soccer.
Sunday, 19 April
The highlight of the entire festival: the grand historical parade in magnificent ancient costumes. It begins at 11:00 am at the Circus Maximus and proceeds through the Teatro di Marcello, across Piazza Venezia and along the Via dei Fori Imperiali to the Via di San Gregorio, before returning to the Circus Maximus. Prior to the parade, the president gives an address at 10:30 am, followed by the Orazione di Mecenate at 10:45 am. The afternoon programme includes further performances (2:30 pm), the Legionum Exhibitio (5:00 pm) and the re-enacted Battle of Vercellae (5:30 pm) as a grand finale.
Tuesday, 21 April – the Founding Day
On Rome’s actual birthday, two special rituals are on the programme. At 2:30 pm, the Tracciato del Solco takes place at the Museo Nazionale Romano – Terme di Diocleziano: a re-enactment of the city’s founding on the border between history and legend. At 5:30 pm, all participants gather on the Piazza del Campidoglio for the Palilia Rite – the city’s oldest consecration ritual.
The Castrum at the Circus Maximus
The centrepiece of the multi-day celebrations is the castrum that the Gruppo Storico Romano sets up every year at the Circus Maximus (further information on the Facebook page of the Gruppo Storico Romano). In the arena, gladiatorial combat, ancient dances, theatrical performances and re-enactments of historical moments take place. Children can try their hand at a dedicated gladiatorial school. There are also photo exhibitions from past Natale di Roma festivals and comprehensive information stands on life in ancient Rome.
Practical Tips
Is 21 April a public holiday in Rome? No – 21 April is not a public holiday in Rome. Museums, shops and attractions are open as normal. The historic parade therefore takes place on the Sunday.
Getting to the Circus Maximus: The Circus Maximus is easily reached by Metro Line B (station: Circo Massimo). On event days, higher than usual visitor numbers are to be expected – allow plenty of time.
Admission: Admission to all events as part of the Natale di Roma is free of charge.
Combining with other sights: The Circus Maximus is within easy walking distance of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum – a perfect opportunity to explore ancient Rome in depth. The Aventine Hill with its peaceful gardens and the famous keyhole view is also just a few minutes’ walk away.
Weather in April: April is one of Rome’s most beautiful months – pleasant temperatures between 15 and 20°C (59–68°F), plenty of spring sunshine and the city in full bloom.
Book Tickets & Tours
Around Rome’s birthday, popular sights such as the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums are particularly busy. Book tickets well in advance. For a full overview, visit our Rome Tickets page.
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FAQ
What is the Natale di Roma?
The Natale di Roma is Rome’s annual birthday celebration. According to tradition, Rome was founded on 21 April 753 BC by Romulus. The anniversary is marked with a multi-day programme of historic parades, gladiatorial combat, ancient rituals and encampments at the Circus Maximus.
Is admission to the events free?
Yes, admission to all events as part of the Natale di Roma is free of charge.
Is 21 April a public holiday in Rome?
No, 21 April is not a public holiday in Rome. Museums, shops and attractions are open as normal. The historic parade therefore takes place on the Sunday.
How do I get to the Circus Maximus?
The easiest way is by Metro Line B to the Circo Massimo station. The Circus Maximus is also easily walkable from the Colosseum and the Aventine Hill.
Photo gallery
Get a flock of geese for the grassy slopes beside the steps to the compidoglio.. the geese saved rome frome the Celts the children will love it and switch of the Trevi fountain in memory of Old Rome now gone… just line the barbatians wrecked the aquaducts before they wrecked Rome
The idea with the geese is not a bad one. However, the Trevi Fountain is much younger than the aqueduct, which has still been functioning since ancient times, despite the Celts.
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