Celebrating Christmas during Easter?

Only in Rome!

Rome is the city of all cities, an ancient jewel and arguably the most beautiful capital in the world. It seems only fitting that there should be a day dedicated to celebrating its greatness.
Known as the “Christmas” of Rome, April 21st marks the legendary founding of the Eternal City. This year, the celebration is even more special, as it coincides with Easter Monday, bringing a double dose of festivity to the heart of Italy.

Happy 2.778 birthday, Rome!

The founding

According to legend, Rome was founded by Romulus, one of the twin brothers born of the god Mars and a Vestal Virgin, Rhea Silvia. Abandoned at birth, the twins were famously nursed by a she-wolf, an iconic symbol that still represents the city today. They both wanted to found a city but couldn’t agree on its location. Romulus ended up killing Remus and went on to found the city on April 21st, 753 BC.

The first celebrations

The first celebration of the foundation of Rome was only 800 years later. Despite the fact that from that moment began the Roman way of marking time, known by the Latin expression Ab Urbe Condita, meaning “from the founding of the City,” which counted the years from this mythical beginning. A special edition of the coins from the 1001st anniversary has come down to us, a testament to how the citizens of the Roman Empire recognized they were living at the dawn of a new era. Visit the Musei Capitolini to see them!

This year

We can’t turn our backs on history and tradition. Since last year, the City of Rome has increased funding for historical reenactments, bringing the past to life like never before. The event of “Rome’s Christmas” kicks off at the majestic Circus Maximus at 11 a.m., where you can witness a grand Roman parade and see history unfold before your eyes, complete with dancers, fighters, and Roman citizens, all set against the stunning backdrop of ancient ruins.