Happy birthday Rome: 2779 years of history and great beauty

Every year on April 21st, Rome celebrates its legendary beginnings with parades, historical reenactments, and fireworks. Known as Il Natale di Roma, this ancient tradition marks the founding of Rome in 753 BC by Romulus. In fact, among the many reasons why the Eternal City is unique in the world is the official date of Rome's foundation, which, according to tradition, happened on the 21st of April 753 BC.

Whether you're a history lover, a traveler, or just Rome-obsessed, don’t miss the chance to celebrate with locals the birthday of the most important iconic city in history.

According to ancient Roman legend, April 21st, 753 BC marks the dramatic founding of Rome by Romulus, who, after a fierce rivalry with his twin brother Remus, became the city’s first king.

Raised by a she-wolf and destined for greatness, Romulus laid the first stones on the Palatine Hill, tracing the border of the new city and giving life to what would become one of the most powerful civilizations in history.

This legendary story of Rome's foundation has come down to us through important historical works by Titus Livius, Dionysius of Halicarnassus, and Plutarch, as well as the poetic works of Virgil and Ovid.

Over the centuries, the tradition of celebrating Rome's foundation has continued to the present day, and this date has become famous as Il Natale di Roma - Rome's Birthday.

For more than 2000 years, Rome's foundation has been celebrated with the ritual of the light inside the Pantheon.

It is the way the emperors celebrated April 21st, and the tradition has continued to the present day. On this day at midday, a special light effect occurs at the Pantheon, where the sun entering from the oculus perfectly illuminates the bronze entrance door.

In ancient times, at this specific moment, the Emperor entered the Pantheon illuminated by a ray of sunlight, as if he were the representation of the sun god on Earth.

Nowadays, the spectacle of this light effect attracts many locals and tourists every year who want to witness this miracle of ancient Roman engineering.

As every year, to mark the 2779th anniversary of the founding of Rome, the municipal government has organized a rich program of concerts, exhibitions and costumed reenactments.

A wide range of events is scheduled from April 18 to 21 at some of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Imperial Forums, the Pantheon, the Circus Maximus, the National Roman Museum, and the Museum of Civilization.

One of the most important and deeply cherished events for Romans is the historical reenactment by Gruppo Storico Romano, the largest in the world dedicated to Ancient Rome.

The theme for 2026 is “Rome, City of Law and Hospitality” and will explore the role of the Italian capital as the cradle of Western legal civilization.

Admission is always free of charge.

For Rome’s Birthday 2026, the city will come alive with costumed reenactments and official celebrations, turning Italy’s capital into a lively open-air stage.

Over four days, 1,300 participants from 16 European countries and a delegation from Taiwan will fill Rome’s historic sites with events and activities.

Among the most highly anticipated highlights is the spectacular historical parade, the largest event of its kind in Europe, scheduled for the morning of Sunday, April 19, at the Circus Maximus.

The program also includes a gladiators’ tournament, staged ritual, and educational activities.

The celebrations end on April 21, the Dies Natalis Urbis, with special events and ceremonies honoring the legendary founding of Rome.

Must-See Events for Rome’s Birthday 2026:

– Friday, April 17

Renewal of the Sacred Fire (Piazza Campo Marzio, 7:30 PM); Benedictio Urbi with the Coronation of the Goddess Roma (Pantheon, 8:00 PM).

– Saturday, April 18

Opening day at the Circus Maximus, featuring exhibitions, educational stands, performances, and historical reconstructions, including games and gladiatorial combats.

– Sunday, April 19

Historical Parade along the route from the Circus Maximus to Via dei Fori Imperiali (11:00 AM); Oath of the Legions(Circus Maximus, 4:30 PM); Battle of the Raudine Fields (Circus Maximus, 5:30 PM).

– Monday, April 20

Scholarly conference: Rome and Dacia: From Conquest to Integration (Embassy of Romania, 4:00 PM).

– Tuesday, April 21

Tracing of the Sacred Furrow (National Roman Museum – Baths of Diocletian, 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM); Dramatic Ritual of the Parilia (National Roman Museum – Baths of Diocletian, 3:30 PM); Echos, a photographic exhibition on historical reenactment (Museum of Civilizations, 5:00 PM).