Rome's birthday, on 21 April, is known as Natale di Roma. This year the city will celebrate its 2,777th birthday.

Traditionally the Eternal City marks its birthday with historical re-enactments of ancient Roman rituals, costumed parades and gladiator fights in the Circus Maximus.

What is Natale di Roma?

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

Why does Rome celebrate its birthday on 21 April?

While there has always been some uncertainty over the year, the ancient Romans were certain of the date Rome was founded: 21 April.

This was the day that Romans dedicated a festival to Pales, goddess of flocks and herds, who was celebrated with the traditional the Parilia (or Palilia).

Dating back to before the founding of Rome, the Palilia ceremony involved vestal virgins distributing straw and the ashes and blood of sacrificed animals before jumping over a bonfire three times.

Foundation of Rome

The most commonly accepted date given for the foundation of Rome, 753 BC, comes from the Roman antiquarian Titus Pomponius Atticus, and was adopted by Roman scholar Marcus Terentius Varro.

Celebrating Rome’s 2,776th birthday in style with the #NatalediRoma2023 parade pic.twitter.com/7HzApk0IDh

— Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) April 23, 2023

On 21 April the Romans also held a trench-digging ritual, known as the tracciato del solco, which recalls the founding of ancient Roman towns when a trench or mundus was dug and offerings thrown into it to encourage the gods to watch over the inhabitants.

Die Natalis

Another spectacular event that occurs in Rome on 21 April is the Dies Natalis phenomenon at the Pantheon.

Each year on this date the midday sun enters the oculus of Rome's Pantheon and creates a disk of light that centres perfectly on the entrance doorway.

At that exact time, the emperor would enter the temple, his body bathed in golden sunlight, according to Italy's culture ministry.

Natale di Roma pageantry

The historical re-enactments for Natale di Roma take place in the Circus Maximus, organised by the Gruppo Storico Romano which, for 30 years, has brought ancient Roman history to life.

The three-day festival takes place from 19-21 April, for 2024 programme details see website.