Rome marks Natale di Roma with a series of online events on 21 April.

Rome celebrates 2,774 years today, 21 April, in a popular birthday tradition known as Natale di Roma.

The annual celebration - known in ancient times as Dies Romana or Romaia - is based on the legendary founding of Rome by Romulus in 753 BC.

• Natale di Roma: the legends and traditions behind Rome's birthday

The Eternal City normally marks its birthday with historical re-enactments of ancient Roman rituals, costumed parades and gladiator fights, however this year, due to Italy's covid-19 restrictions, the festivities move online.

• Dies Natalis: the Pantheon's magical arc of light for Rome's birthday

At midday today the Facebook page of Italy's culture ministry will premiere a newly-edited video showing a timelapse of the Dies Romana phenomenon at the Pantheon (currently closed to visitors) when the sun enters the oculus and creates a disk of light that lands perfectly on the building's entrance.

• Rome celebrates 2,774th birthday in 2021

The Colosseum archaeological park, via its Facebook page, will stream live broadcasts from its main restoration sites as well as offering insights, walks and the grand finale in the evening with the episode of Ulysses dedicated to Imperial Rome, premiered on Italian television channel Rai1.

• Rome lights up landmarks to celebrate 2,774 years of history and culture

The city will also be holding light shows at prominent fountains and key locations around the capital, with Bvlgari hosting a video mapping project at its future five-star hotel beside the Mausoleum of Augustus.

Diamo il via ai festeggiamenti per il 2774° Natale di Roma! Questa mattina all’Altare della Patria in Piazza Venezia ho deposto una corona d’alloro per celebrare la nostra città. Buon compleanno Roma! pic.twitter.com/GwdOgQlXwn

— Virginia Raggi (@virginiaraggi) April 21, 2021