Natale di Roma: Happy Birthday Rome!

The 21st of April is the Anniversary of the Founding of Rome

It may be known as the Eternal City, but the official date of Rome’s foundation is said to be April 21st, 753 B.C.  On this date a certain set of wolf-raised twins decided to start a town on the banks of the Tiber river.

Romulus and Remus

According to the myth, Romulus and Remus, twin brothers of the god Mars and a Vestal Virgin, are abandoned in the Tiber river, which miraculously carries them to safety. They are found by a wolf, and after surving by sucking from the wolf and being fed by a woodpecker, Romulus and Remus are raised by humble shepherds. They grow up natural leaders, and the two decide to found a city, but disagree over where to start. Romulus wanted to found the city on Palatine Hill, while Remus prefers Aventine Hill. The argument turned violent, and in the end Romulus killed his brother and went on to name the city Rome after himself.

Whatever grain of truth there may be in the myth, it's certain that the founding of Rome is now close to Three Centuries ago, this year being the 2767th Birthday of the Caput Mundi. Every year Romans celebrate their city’s founding with parades, historical re-enactments, and of course: fireworks!

Celebrations in Rome on April 21st

The "Gruppo Storico Romano," or "Roman Historical Group" has organized the 12th edition of their historical re-enactment in honor of the event. At 9am on April 21st over 1,600 re-enactors will arrive at the Circus Maximus to start the festivities. After the opening celebrations, the historical parade will begin at 11:30am, circling the Colosseum along Via dei Fori Imperiali. After the parade the celebrations and re-enactments will continue at the Circus Maximus from 3pm to 7pm. For details and the full schedule see the official event page of the Gruppo Storico Romano here: http://www.gruppostoricoromano.it/en/romes-foundation-anniversary-april-21-2014/

In the evening head to higher ground to enjoy the fireworks! Two good spots are Capitoline Hill and the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) near Aventine Hill.

This month of April is a busy one for Romans this year! The second half of the month sees a number of important holidays all lined up:

April 18th - Good Friday

April 20th - Easter Sunday

April 21st - Easter Monday AND the "Natale di Roma"

April 27th - Canonization of 2 new saints (John Paul II and John XXIII)

To find out more about what's going on in Rome for Easter, read our "Easter in Rome and the Vatican City" Article!

One thing’s for sure - everyone in Rome is in for an exhilarating week!