All throughout the year there are a number of events which take place in Rome, enjoyed by the local residents, it’s also a huge reason for tourists to visit this marvellous city. The festivals, although changing in nature, add to the fascinating culture of Rome. While many of these festivals have religious heredity, some also have been promoted by the government in Rome as a way of boosting tourism. If you’re planning to visit whilst one of these festivals is on you’ll want to think carefully about where to stay in Rome.
Below are just a few of these festivals which you may like to attend:
Natale di Roma
No city in the world knows how to celebrate better than Rome and there is no better occasion for a party than Rome’s very own birthday. The Natale di Roma celebration takes place in April and includes enormous quantities of fireworks, historical re-enactments of Rome’s founding, parades and of course delicious food and drink. Don’t miss out on the chance to party like a Roman.
Festa della Madonna delle Neve
Was started August 5, 352 saw an unseasonal snowfall on the Esquiline Hill, an event which is still remembered at the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The day is marked with a special mass, culminating in a blizzard of rose petals which flutter down from the roof on to the crowd.
Rome Film Festival
It started in 2006; Rome at last got itself a film festival to match its iconic cinematic status, giving the city’s once magnificent film industry a much-needed shot in the arm. It takes place during October; the Rome Film Festival offers more than 600 screenings of movies from Italy and the rest of the world. Movie stars and people from around the world attend the festival, accompanied by special menus at restaurants around Rome and other special events at museums and stores.
Rome Jazz Festival
Rome has some of the world’s best music, including jazz. Visit in November for the Rome Jazz Festival, which includes jazz bands and famous jazz singers from around the world. During the Jazz Festival, many venues host performances, allowing visitors to enjoy various areas of Rome and hear some fantastic music.
La Festa di San Silvestro
Marshal in the New Year in Rome with the La Festa di San Silvestro, Rome’s New Year’s Eve celebration. Watch fireworks at the famous Piazza del Popolo, eat delicious food, enjoy live music concerts, drink some fabulous Italian wines, and unwind. The celebration is family-friendly and celebrates the New Year with style like only Rome can.
Estate Romana Festival
Yearly between June and October, the state Romana Festival sees different spots within the city host a choice of forms of entertainment including jazz concerts, rock concerts and classical music concerts. There is also a variety of sporting events, film and theatre spectacles as well as children’s activities meaning that this truly is a festival for all of the family.
Antiques Festival
The Rome Antiques Festival is an opportunity for the antiques dealers of Rome to display their artwork to the public and it is located in the Via Dei Coronari, which is the antiques epicentre of Rome.
Culture Festival
During this week most of the museums around the city open the doors to their exhibitions to the public without any charge. The aim of the week is to promote Rome’s extensive and rich culture.
Noantri Festival
Although primarily a Christian festival, the Noantri Festival provides a great experience to all, regardless of their religious beliefs. The singing and dancing on display is vibrant and engaging and will appeal to all. It is hard not to get swept away by the atmosphere of this traditional event. One of the highlights of the festival is the parading of the Vergine del Carmine statue through the streets of the Trastevere district.
The Festa di San Giovanni
Every year on and around June 24th the citizens of Rome celebrate the birth of John the Baptist. The celebrations are glorious and vivacious. Highlights include firework displays and the procession of all members of the Clergy in Rome through the streets of the city. There are a number of traditions associated with this event which will be of deep meaning to Catholic tourists and of cultural interest to other.
Have you done any of these festivals?
