Terri Ramsey Beavers Rome is known for its fantastic architecture and old-world charm as well as delicious eateries and amazing shopping. Tourists flock to Rome to make memories that will last a lifetime.
What many people may not realize is that Rome is brimming with festivals and events throughout the year, with almost every month playing host to an iconic festival or mega event.
Bring your sense of adventure and plan your vacation to include a festival or two. While exploring the city, drop your bags at a Rome luggage storage facility to keep them safe. You will want to explore without being bogged down with shopping parcels and backpacks.
La Befana Epiphany
Help celebrate the end of the Christmas season with La Befana Epiphany, or the Feast of the Epiphany to those who do not speak Italian. Always held on January 6th, the day is a national holiday.
Children are gifted small treats and treasures on La Befana Epiphany and a huge celebration is held at the Piazza Navona, complete with live entertainment and lots of food. People dress in medieval garb and bring a gift to the Vatican for the Pope.
The legend of La Befana dates back to medieval times when the Good Witch of Christmas, La Befana, would fly through Rome on her broomstick and give small gifts to all the good little children. She would give naughty children lumps of coal.
Bring your festive spirit and head over to Piazza Navona for a night of merriment and celebration as the Christmas season comes to a close.
Carnevale and Lent
Visit Rome in February and take part in the Carnevale celebration which leads up to Lent. Carnevale means carnival in English and has become a favorite time of year for Italians. The Carnevale is set up near the Vatican and is a huge party for all to enjoy.
During the Carnevale, you are encouraged to enjoy the festivities and embrace the jovial atmosphere before entering into the season of Lent, a more somber time for Catholics.
The Carnevale starts with the traditional costume parade that travels along the Via del Corso, the main street in Rome. Stroll through many of the squares throughout Rome and check out performances, street vendors, and artisans as they draw you in.
Strap on a pair of ice skates and skate at the rink at the Castel Sant’Angelo. You will feel like a kid again as you experience all the Carnevale has to offer.
Ides of March
Held every year on March 15th, the Ides of March marks the death of Julius Caesar. On March 15th period reenactments are performed. Caesar is one of the most notable leaders of Rome.
He met an untimely death in 44 B.C. when his senators murdered him near the Largo di Torre Argentina archeological site. Come watch as entertainers reenact the fateful meeting of Caesar and his senators.
The Ides of March is one of the best festivals and events in Rome. You can spend time learning more about the history of Julius Caesar and Rome in general.
Città della Pizza
Spend a week in Rome and learn from the masters of pizza, or the pizzaioli. The Città della Pizza pays homage to one of the most iconic foods of Italy. Every year, in April, the pizza masters come to Rome for a pizza celebration like no other.
Dine on several different types of pizza, some traditional and some more outside-the-box or unique. Give the fried pizza a try; it is an experience you will not soon forget. Grab a slice of Neapolitan or Roman-crust pizza.
Sign up for one or two of the pizza making workshops offered. Pizza lovers wait all year for the Città della Pizza and you will find it a tasty event you do not want to miss.
Natale di Roma
Plan to visit Rome for her birthday. Romans celebrate Natale di Roma on April 21st with amazing parades, concerts, and fireworks. Several monuments and museums will waive admission fees on this day.
Head over to the Piazza del Campidoglio for some concerts and then wander to the Circus Maximus for the parade of gladiators. Complete the festivities by watching a spectacular fireworks display on the banks of the Tiber River.
Festival del Verde e del Paesaggio
This annual garden festival is perfect for those with a green thumb and anyone wanting to learn more about the local flora of Rome. Located at the Parco della Musica, the Festival del Verde e del Paesaggio is more than just a garden show and is great fun for families.
Enjoy delicious food from local street vendors, browse through booths filled with artisan gifts, and learn more about the beautiful plants of Italy. The festival is a must-see when visiting Rome in May.
Festa della Repubblica
The Italian Republic was founded on June 2, 1946. The Festa della Repubblica, or Republic Day is held on June 2nd each year. Head over to the Via dei Fori Imperiali and watch the military parade.
Planes will soar overhead, leaving the Italian flag in smoke in their wake. Sit in the Quirinale Gardens and listen to military bands play. The day is festive and relaxing and is one of the best festivals in Rome.
Estate Romane
Visit Rome and take part in the Estate Romane, also known as the Roman Summer Festival. One of the longest festivals in Rome, the Estate Romane festival runs from June through September each year.
Enjoy outdoor cinemas, take part in some epic pub crawls, and relax at the Baths of Caracalla watching outdoor ballets and operas. Learn more about Roman culture during the Estate Romane by visiting archaeological sites.
Festa Del Cinema di Roma
The Rome Film Fest, or the Festa Del Cinema di Roma, has been an annual event since 2006 and is held in October. Visit Rome during this film festival and snag tickets to the Auditorium Parco della Musica for amazing red carpet events.
Be sure to grab your tickets early if you are planning to check out the Festa Del Cinema di Roma. Enjoy some special screenings, get up-close-and-personal with leading directors, producers, and actors, and spend time celebrating films.
Rome is a happening city filled with amazing festivals and events that will leave you craving more and more of this iconic city. It does not seem to matter when you visit Rome, there will be a festival or large-scale event happening.
Bring your party spirit and leave your cares behind as you celebrate like the Romans during one or several of their festivals or events.
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Resources:
https://rome.com/general/festivals-in-rome/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Befana
https://www.explore-italian-culture.com/carnival-magic.html
https://www.lacittadellapizza.it/
https://www.festivaldelverdeedelpaesaggio.it/
https://www.festadellarepubblica.it/