Rome marks Natale di Roma on 21 April.
Rome celebrates 2,779 years today, Tuesday 21 April, in a popular birthday tradition called Natale di Roma.The annual celebration – known in ancient times as Dies Romana or Romaia – is based on the legendary founding of Rome by Romulus in 753 BC.The Eternal City has been marking its birthday in advance this year with historical re-enactments of ancient Roman rituals and gladiator fights, most of which were organised over the preceding weekend.Most of the action took place at the Circus Maximus where visitors of all ages enjoyed the free spectacles staged by the Gruppo Storico Romano historical dramatic society.Rome celebrates its 2,779th birthday with a grand parade through the Eternal City pic.twitter.com/RUlpMwAwfG
— Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) April 19, 2026
On Tuesday, 21 April, the group will stage a re-enactment of the ancient Palilia, or Parilia, ceremony at the Baths of Diocletian in Rome at 15.30.
Dating back to before the founding of Rome, the ceremony involved vestal virgins distributing straw and the ashes and blood of sacrificed animals before jumping over a bonfire three times, in honour of Pales, goddess of flocks and herds.
The five-day programme of events and workshops began on Friday evening at the Pantheon, and included a huge parade from the Circus Maximus, via the Colosseum, on Sunday morning.
This year the costumed parade boasted more than 1,500 participants, hundreds of whom have travelled from across Europe to take part in the event.
The city is celebrating the 2026 edition of Natale di Roma with special events on Tuesday including guided tours of Palazzo Senatorio and a series of musical performances around the capital.
Happy birthday Rome!
