Rome parade on 22 April will feature centurions, gladiators and vestal virgins. 

A parade, featuring 1,500 participants dressed in ancient Roman costumes, takes place in Rome on Monday 22 April to mark the city's 2,772nd birthday, known as Natale di Roma.

The parade, part of celebrations being staged by the Gruppo Storico Romano, begins and ends at the Circus Maximus, filing past the Colosseum along the way, from 10.30 to 13.30.

Its route comprises Via dei Cerchi, Via Petroselli, Via del Teatro Marcello, Piazza Venezia, Via dei Fori Imperiali, Piazza del Colosseo, Via Celio Vibenna and Via di S. Gregorio, leading to road closures and traffic diversions in the area from 10.00.

Based on the legendary founding of Rome by Romulus in 753 BC, this year's annual birthday celebration coincides with Easter weekend, with the parade taking place on Pasquetta or Easter Monday.

Photo Gruppo Storico Romano