Blog - Life in Italy

What's happening in Rome all year round!... Find out here

Rome Events and Rome Holidays in January - Rome
• Epiphany – “Befana” in Italian, is a religious holiday held on January 6th.There is also an Epiphany Fair held in the Piazza Navona with small rides for the children to ride and stands with games to play.
Rome Events and Rome Holidays in February - Rome
• Ash Wednesday - Late February, many local romans celebrated this religious holiday. The Pope walks from the Basilica of Santa Sabina to the Circus Maximus, accompanied by members of the College of Cardinals.
Rome Events and Rome Holidays in March - Rome
• Festival of St. Francesca - Early March, local romans drive their cars to the Piazzale del Colosseo, near the Church of Santa Francesca for blessing and prosperity.
• Feast of St. Joseph - People celebrate St. Joseph holiday by going to the Trionfale Square  to eat a traditional roman type of doughnut-pastry called “Cimabela”!
• Maratona della Citta di Roma (Marathon) – Held every year in late March. This marathon is watched by crowds of people (locals and tourists) as the athletes run past by many of the city's spectacular landmarks and beautiful churches.
Rome Events and Rome Holidays in April - Rome
• Festa della Primavera (Spring Festival) – It takes place early April highliting the beauty of all corners of Rome. The most commonly known area where this colorful special event takes place is the Spanish Steps. These amazing steps are decorated with azalea plants and concerts are held on top of the steps in Trinita dei Monti.
• Good Friday – During early April, in the evening the Pope leads a Procession of the Cross from the Colosseum  garden to the Roman Forum.  Take part or simply admire the parade of people following this amazing site.
• Easter – This year follows on April 12th, 2009. A memorable outdoor mass takes place in St. Peter's Square in the morning listening very carefully to the pope. There are more than 20,000 seats available for anyone who wants to attend.  At the end, the Pope then blesses the crowd at noon. I do advise to go early for seating.
• Easter Monday – On April 13th, (long weekend) most locals go away to the country side and spend a relax three day weekend. In Rome however, in Castel Sant'Angelo gardens many celebrations are held to the public.
• Live Concerts – All throughout the month of April, the Accademia Filarmonica Romana performs regularly at the Teatro Olimpico to the public. If you are into music, this is a great place to go see.
Rome Events and Rome Holidays in May - Rome
• Introducing new Vatican Guard – On May 6th 2009 an event will be held swearing in of the new guard at the Vatican on the anniversary for the Sacking of Rome.
• Tennis – In the middle of May, the tennis Masters Series Roma start at the Parco del Foro Italico 
• Live Concerts – All throughout the month of April, the Accademia Filarmonica Romana performs regularly at the Teatro Olimpico to the public. If you are into music, this is a great place to go see.
• Chamber and symphony concerts - throughout May, the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia performs at the Via della Conciliazione, near Castle Sant’Angelo and Vatican St. Peter’s square.
Rome Events and Rome Holidays in June - Rome
• Festa della Republica – On the first Sunday in June, this incredible military parade takes place on Via dei Fori Imperiali between the Colosseum and Piazza di Venezia. The street closes becoming an event where Italy celebrates their republic day.
• Saint Peter and Paul Day – During late June, solemn masses are held at St. Peter's Basilica (Vatican) and also all over Rome during this holiday.
• Pesaro Film Festival – In late June, also known as the International Exhibition of New Cinema – (hyperlink), works of recent/old films of new directors and also other recognitions from many countries around the world.
Rome Events and Rome Holidays in July - Rome
• 4th of July –An American holiday also celebrated by Italians in Rome  in the company of other Americans. It includes picnics, fireworks and many other fun activities.
• Spoleto Festival – Held in early July held in Spoleto.  This festival presents top-quality concerts, opera, dance, theatre and film for all tastes.
• Operas and Ballets – During the whole month of July and early August, some of the best local Opera singers and ballets dancers perform regularly at Teatro dell'Opera, Piazza Beniamino Gigli. If you are in Rome, do not miss a show.
• Noianti Festival – From middle to late July there will be folk music, dancing, stands all of kinds selling goods and fireworks display in Trastevere.  Fun activities for the whole family in honour of the Virgin Carmine.
Rome Events and Rome Holidays in August - Rome
• Festa della Madonna della Neve – On  August 5th, open-air film festival held at Santa Maria Maggiore church.
• Ferragosto (The Assumption) – A very traditional holiday held every August 15th,  the mid-summer Roman holiday. Many locals take this holiday and go away to their country home outside the city of Rome or the beaches.  On this day, you will not see many locals around as you will also notice many places are closed.
Rome Events and Rome Holidays in September - Rome
• Crafts show – Takes place late September in Via dell'Orso. A must see!

Rome Events and Rome Holidays in October - Rome

• No activities

Rome Events and Rome Holidays in November - Rome
• All Saints' Day – Only once a year in early November, all churches will be open to the public for visitors.
• Unity Day – It represents World War I and Armed Forces Day. A unique ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the “Unknown Soldier” at Piazza Navona Held in November.  Really nice site!
Rome Events and Rome Holidays in December - Rome - Rome
• Feast of the Immaculate Conception - Early December, the Pope places flowers at the column of the Virgin in Piazza di Spagnathis religious holiday.
• St. Stephen's Day - December 26th, many Romans visit nativity scenes, decorated churches with Christmas spirit throughout Rome on this public holiday… very popular day in Rome. An excellent day to visit and look inside all the beautiful churches in Rome.
• New Year's Eve - December 31st, masses are celebrated in churches all over Rome. There are also many parties and general celebrations in public places, restaurants and also in homes of family and friends.

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