Major Events & Festivals in Rome, Italy

Rome, Italy, Rome, Culture & Entertainment, Major Events & Festivals

Major Events & Festivals in Rome, Italy

1. Roman New Year's Eve (Capodanno),

Celebrate the Italian way as Romans countdown to the New Year with fireworks and a traditional dinner of lentils and pork for prosperity.
  • Unique Tradition: Offers a chance to immerse in an age-old Italian tradition
  • Foodie Delight: Enjoy traditional Roman cuisine while ringing in the New Year
  • Vibrant Atmosphere: Experience the energy of Rome on one of its biggest annual events

2. Carnival at Rome (Carnevale di Roma)

Join in a colorful explosion of music, food, and masks during the week before Lent.
  • Masked Balls: Attend elaborate masked balls featuring live music and dancing
  • Street Performances: Witness creative and lively street performances
  • Historic Venue: Celebrate in the historic setting of Rome's beautiful piazzas

3. Easter Celebrations (Pasqua)

Experience a spiritual and cultural celebration in churches across the city during Easter weekend.
  • Church Traditions: Witness unique religious rituals in Rome's beautiful churches
  • Mystery of the Pope's Urbi et Orbi Address: Hear the Pope's message for peace to the city and world from St. Peter's Square
  • Easter Foods: Sample traditional Roman Easter dishes such as Colomba cake and Lamb

4. Festa della Repubblica (Republic Day)

Celebrate Italy's democratic transition on June 2nd with parades, music, and military displays.
  • Military Display: Witness a display of Italy's military might and precision
  • Parades: Join in the lively parades through Rome's historic center
  • Cultural Events: Enjoy live music, food, and cultural performances throughout the city

5. Festival of Lights (Festa delle Lucerne)

Marvel at the thousands of candles illuminating Trastevere's charming streets during this medieval festival.
  • Medieval Charm: Experience the enchanting atmosphere of a medieval Roman neighborhood
  • Local Cuisine: Taste traditional Roman dishes while enjoying live music and performances
  • Community Spirit: Connect with locals as they celebrate their neighborhood's unique history

6. Feast of St. John the Baptist (Festa di San Giovanni)

Celebrate the patron saint of Rome with music, fireworks, and traditional food.
  • Historic Significance: Honor a significant figure in Roman history and Christianity
  • Community Event: Join locals as they come together to celebrate their city's patron saint
  • Traditional Food: Savor traditional Roman dishes such as Strangozzi pasta and Fritto Misto

7. Feast of St. Lawrence (Festa di San Lorenzo)

Celebrate one of Rome's seven patron saints with a lively festival featuring music, food, and performances.
  • Patron Saint Celebration: Honor one of Rome's most important figures in Roman history
  • Local Delicacies: Taste traditional Roman dishes, including grilled lamb and roasted chestnuts
  • Community Event: Join locals as they come together to celebrate their city's patron saint

8. Feast of the Madonna di San Luigi (Madonna de' Monti)

Join a lively procession honoring the Madonna as she is carried from church to church in Rome's historic center.
  • Religious Significance: Honor one of Christianity's most revered figures
  • Historic Procession: Witness a traditional Roman procession through the historic center
  • Cultural Experience: Experience an essential part of Rome's rich cultural heritage

9. Feast of St. Agnes (Festa di Santa Agnese)

Celebrate the life and martyrdom of Saint Agnes with a procession and mass at her basilica.
  • Religious Significance: Honor one of Christianity's most revered figures
  • Historic Procession: Witness a traditional Roman procession through the historic center
  • Cultural Experience: Experience an essential part of Rome's rich cultural heritage

10. Feast of St. Peter (Festa di San Pietro)

Celebrate the patron saint of Rome and fishermen at his basilica with a procession and mass.
  • Religious Significance: Honor one of Christianity's most revered figures
  • Historic Procession: Witness a traditional Roman procession through the historic center
  • Cultural Experience: Experience an essential part of Rome's rich cultural heritage

11. Notte Bianca (White Night)

Experience a night filled with free events, music, and culture in Rome's historic center.
  • Free Cultural Events: Enjoy a variety of cultural activities without entry fees
  • Late-Night Exploration: Discover Rome's historic center after dark with extended hours
  • Community Event: Join locals and tourists alike for a unique citywide experience

12. Festival of Remembrance (Giornata Nazionale al Raccontare)

Remember and honor Italy's World War II victims with memorial services, music, and performances.
  • Historical Importance: Pay tribute to the fallen heroes of WWII
  • Community Event: Join locals as they come together to remember their shared history
  • Cultural Experience: Experience a significant part of Italy's cultural heritage

13. Feast of Corpus Domini (Corpus Domini)

Join a procession carrying the Eucharist through Rome's historic center during this Catholic holiday.
  • Religious Significance: Honor the body and blood of Christ
  • Historic Procession: Witness a traditional Roman procession through the historic center
  • Cultural Experience: Experience an essential part of Rome's rich cultural heritage

14. Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Festa dell'Immacolata Concezione)

Celebrate the Catholic feast day honoring the Virgin Mary with mass and processions.
  • Religious Significance: Honor the mother of Jesus, Mary
  • Historic Procession: Witness a traditional Roman procession through the historic center
  • Cultural Experience: Experience an essential part of Rome's rich cultural heritage

15. Festival of the Dead (Festa dei Morti)

Honor deceased loved ones with offerings and prayers during this ancient Roman festival.
  • Historical Significance: Experience a tradition dating back to ancient Rome
  • Cultural Experience: Explore the unique customs and practices of this festival
  • Personal Connection: Offer prayers and tributes for deceased loved ones in a heartfelt way