Every year on April 21st, Rome celebrates its founding with the Natale di Roma — the “Birthday of Rome.” More than just a date, it’s a celebration rooted in legend, history, and identity. According to Roman historian Varro, it was on April 21st, 753 BCE that Romulus drew the sacred boundary on the Palatine Hill and gave birth to what would become the Eternal City.

Where Myth Meets History

This symbolic day bridges past and present, blending myth and memory in an open-air celebration. Rome comes alive with historical reenactments, parades in costume, concerts, exhibitions, and guided tours that immerse visitors in the grandeur of ancient times — when the city was ruled by emperors, echoed with the voices of senators, and watched over by the gods.

The highlight is the grand parade organized by the Gruppo Storico Romano, featuring hundreds of reenactors in traditional Roman attire: legionaries in gleaming armor, noble matrons, vestal virgins, and patricians. It’s a vivid and immersive journey through the glory of classical Rome, captivating locals and travelers alike.

A Sacred Celebration

Beyond the spectacle, the celebration includes rituals and ceremonies inspired by the city’s ancient spiritual traditions. Sacred fire is lit, offerings are made to the goddess Roma, and echoes of forgotten rites come to life in places where mythology once walked hand in hand with daily life.

A Unique Way to Experience the City

The Birthday of Rome is the perfect time to discover the city from a different perspective. Many museums offer free or discounted entry, special tours are organized, and monuments are illuminated with light shows and artistic projections.

Whether you’re a Roman at heart or visiting for the first time, April 21st is more than an anniversary — it’s a moment to reflect on the soul of a city that has shaped the world and continues to enchant those who walk its timeless streets.