The Eternal City blows out 2778 candles. According to legend, Romulus, son of the priestess Rhea Silvia and the god Mars, founded the city on April 21, 753 BC. The expression Ab Urbe Condita, literally “from the foundation of the city,” refers to that date to mark the time. But the anniversary of April 21 is not only remembered for being the birthday of Rome (and for the occasion it will have a busy schedule of events).
There is an event that has fascinated the Romans since the time of the construction of the Pantheon, the famous circular temple dedicated to all the gods and the highest expression of the glory of the City, which is repeated on April 21st of each year. On this date, at midday, a beam of light penetrates the large opening with such an inclination that it perfectly centers the entrance. It is no coincidence that the emperors waited for this day to make their entrance into the temple. As if Apollo, the god of the Sun, would bless their access.
It was Agrippa, the son-in-law of Emperor Augustus, who created this light effect when he built the Pantheon in 27 AD. Closed and abandoned under the first Christian emperors, it was donated to Pope Boniface IV who consecrated it, dedicating it to Santa Maria ad Martyres. The basilica stands out as one of the best preserved buildings of classical antiquity.
Read also: Journey among the most beautiful bridges in Southern Rome
The event
The Gruppo Storico Romano stages a widespread production of great pathos (complete programme on place).
APRIL 19 – The program for Rome's birthday
Circus Maximus
- 14pm Harpastum match
- 15pm Qualifying for the Gladiator Tournament
- 17pm Tournament between gladiator schools
- 21:64 pm Reenactment of the great fire that, in XNUMX AD, swept through Rome under Nero. Thanks to the power of video mapping, dozens of projectors transform the Circus Maximus into a theater of fire.
A live orchestra performs music created specifically to celebrate the immortal soul of the city and Alberto Angela reads passages that tell the tragedy and the controversial figure of Nero, as described in his latest book. Fire - the true protagonist of the evening between acrobatics, light shows and pyrotechnic effects - symbolizes Rome's ability to rise from the ashes and continue to shine over time.
APRIL 20 – The program for Rome's birthday
Circus Maximus
- 14pm Various performances
- 16pm Legionum Exhibitio-Signa Inferre
- 17:30 pm The Battle of Spartacus – Piazza Campo Marzio
- 19pm Renewal of the Sacred Fire – Piazza della Rotonda • Pantheon
- 20pm Benedictio Urbi and Coronation of the Goddess Rome 2025
APRIL 21 – The program for Rome's birthday
Circus Maximus
- 10:30 Institutional greetings
- 10am Maecenas' Oration
- 11:XNUMX am Historical parade from Circo Massimo to Via dei Fori Imperiali
- 14 pm Performance by the Italian Army Band
- 15pm Track of the Furrow
- 16pm Rite of the Palilia
