Best Festivals In Rome

The Ultimate Guide to Celebrating in The Eternal City

When it comes to festivals, Rome has it all. From traditional religious celebrations to modern cultural events, the Eternal City offers an endless array of festivities that are guaranteed to delight locals and tourists alike. If you’re planning a trip to Rome and want to experience the city’s vibrant and diverse festival scene, this guide is for you. Here are the best festivals in Rome that you don’t want to miss:

1. Carnival of Rome 🎭

The Carnival of Rome, also known as Carnevale Romano, is a celebration that takes place in the days leading up to Lent. The festival features colourful parades, costume contests, and street performances, culminating in a grand finale on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. The highlight of the festival is the Battle of the Oranges, a lively competition in which participants hurl oranges at each other.

2. Easter Week 🐣

Rome is one of the best places in the world to experience Easter Week, or Settimana Santa, in all its glory. The week-long celebration features a variety of religious processions and ceremonies, including the Via Crucis, or Stations of the Cross, which takes place at the Colosseum on Good Friday. The week culminates in the Easter Sunday Mass celebrated by the Pope at St. Peter’s Basilica.

3. Rome Film Fest 🎥

The Rome Film Fest, or Festa del Cinema di Roma, is a relatively new event that has quickly become one of the city’s most popular cultural festivals. The festival features screenings of the latest films from around the world, as well as Q&A sessions with directors and actors, special events, and exhibitions. The festival takes place in October and is a must-attend event for cinema lovers.

4. Estate Romana ☀️

Estate Romana, or Roman Summer, is a series of events that take place throughout the summer months in Rome. The festival features concerts, theatre performances, film screenings, and other cultural events in various locations around the city. The highlight of the festival is the Notte Bianca, or White Night, when the city stays open all night and offers free admission to many museums and cultural sites.

5. Rome Marathon 🏃‍♀️

The Rome Marathon, or Maratona di Roma, is one of the most popular marathon events in the world. The race takes place in the spring and offers runners the chance to run through some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, including the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. The marathon is open to runners of all levels and is a great way to see the city while getting some exercise.

6. Fiera di Roma 🎡

The Fiera di Roma, or Rome Fair, is an annual event that takes place in the autumn. The fair features exhibitions and shows dedicated to a variety of topics, including food, fashion, and technology. The highlight of the fair is the international horse show, which attracts some of the best riders from around the world.

7. La Festa di Noantri 🎉

La Festa di Noantri, or Our Lady of Mount Carmel, is a religious festival that takes place in the Trastevere neighbourhood of Rome. The festival features a procession of the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel through the streets of Trastevere, as well as live music, food stalls, and other festivities. The festival takes place in July and is a great way to experience the local culture.

8. Rome Jazz Festival 🎵

The Rome Jazz Festival is an annual music festival that takes place in November. The festival features performances by some of the best jazz musicians from around the world, as well as workshops and other events. The festival takes place in several venues around the city and is a must-see event for jazz enthusiasts.

9. Christmas in Rome 🎄

Christmas in Rome is a magical time of year, with the city coming alive with festive lights and decorations. The highlight of the holiday season is the annual Christmas markets, which offer a variety of handmade crafts, gifts, and traditional Italian treats. Other festive events include the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica and the New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

10. RomaEuropa Festival 🌍

The RomaEuropa Festival is an annual arts festival that takes place in the autumn. The festival features a wide range of cultural events, including dance performances, theatre shows, and art exhibitions. The festival focuses on contemporary art and culture and is a great way to experience the cutting-edge of the arts scene in Rome.

11. International Literature Festival 📚

The International Literature Festival is an annual event that takes place in the spring. The festival features readings, discussions, and book signings with some of the best-known authors from around the world. The festival takes place in several locations around the city and is a great way to discover new books and meet the authors behind them.

12. La Sagra dell’Uva 🍇

La Sagra dell’Uva, or Grape Festival, is a celebration of the grape harvest that takes place in the town of Marino, just outside of Rome. The festival features a parade of floats decorated with grapes, as well as live music, food stalls, and wine tastings. The festival takes place in October and is a great way to experience the local wine and food.

13. Terra Madre Salone del Gusto 🍴

Terra Madre Salone del Gusto is an international food and wine fair that takes place in the autumn. The event features a variety of food and wine tastings, as well as workshops and cooking demonstrations led by some of the best chefs in Italy and beyond. The fair takes place in the Lingotto Fiere exhibition centre and is a must-visit event for foodies.

These are just some of the many festivals that take place in Rome throughout the year. Whether you’re interested in art, music, food, or history, there’s something for everyone in the Eternal City. Make sure to check the calendar of events before you plan your trip to Rome, so you don’t miss out on any of the fun!

FAQs

Q1. What are the most popular festivals in Rome?

A1. Some of the most popular festivals in Rome include the Carnival of Rome, Easter Week, and the Rome Film Fest.

Q2. When is the Rome Marathon?

A2. The Rome Marathon takes place in the spring, usually in March or April.

Q3. Where does the La Festa di Noantri festival take place?

A3. The La Festa di Noantri festival takes place in the Trastevere neighbourhood of Rome.

Q4. What is the Rome Jazz Festival?

A4. The Rome Jazz Festival is an annual music festival that takes place in November, featuring performances by some of the best jazz musicians from around the world.

Q5. What are the Christmas markets in Rome?

A5. The Christmas markets in Rome offer a variety of handmade crafts, gifts, and traditional Italian treats, and are a highlight of the holiday season.

Q6. What is the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto?

A6. The Terra Madre Salone del Gusto is an international food and wine fair that takes place in the autumn.

Q7. When is the International Literature Festival?

A7. The International Literature Festival takes place in the spring, usually in May or June.

Conclusion

Rome is a city that knows how to celebrate, and the festivals listed above are just a small sample of the many events that take place throughout the year. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a music lover, there’s something for everyone in the Eternal City. So why not plan your trip to coincide with one of these amazing festivals and experience Rome at its best?

Remember to check the calendar of events before you go, so you don’t miss out on any of the fun. And if you have any questions or need help planning your trip, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local travel agent or tour guide. They’ll be more than happy to help you make the most of your time in Rome.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is accurate at the time of publication, but may be subject to change. Please check the official websites of the festivals listed for the most up-to-date information. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional travel advice. The author and publisher assume no responsibility for any loss or inconvenience caused by reliance on information contained in this article.