Rome was visited in gala today to commemorate its 2,777th anniversary since its mythical foundation. Known as “Rome Christmas,” this celebration takes place every April 21, marking the moment when, according to legend, Romulus laid out the city limits in 753 BC.
The festival dates back to ancient Rome, where it was known as the “Palilia”, in honor of the Numen Pale. However, it was Emperor Claudius who made it official in the year 47 AD, making it an emblematic date for the Romans.
In 248, Philip the Arab celebrated Rome’s first millennium. Coins commemorating the event have survived to this day. On a coin of the claimant to the Pacazian throne the number “1001” appears explicitly. However, until 1870, after the Porta Pia Gap, the capital’s birthday did not become an important national celebration.
The commemoration of Rome’s birthday has evolved over the centuries, taking on different forms and meanings. In 1921, during Mussolini’s fascist regime, it was proclaimed an official holiday, replacing Labor Day, which was usually celebrated on May 1. Although this decision was reversed in 1945, April 21 continues to be a day of celebration and reflection for the city’s inhabitants.
Today, Rome celebrates its anniversary with a series of cultural events ranging from theater performances to art exhibitions. For four days, from April 19 to 22, the city’s civic museums and archaeological sites open their doors to the public, offering workshops and guided tours.
Particularly noteworthy are the historical reenactments of the Roman group, which transport viewers to ancient Rome with traditional festivals and shows. In addition, the Civic Museums present exhibitions dedicated to art and culture, such as the meeting with the artist Giancarla Frare at the Casino dei Principi in Villa Torlonia and the project on the animal world at the Carlo Bilotti Museum in Villa Borghese, by the artist Manuel Felisi.
Rome’s birthday celebration is not only a cultural event, but also a moment of reflection on the city’s legacy and its role in the modern world. Since its founding more than two millennia ago, Rome has witnessed great changes and has left an indelible mark on Western history and culture.
Today, the Eternal City remains a beacon of inspiration for millions of people around the world, attracting visitors with its historical monuments, incomparable art and rich culinary tradition. But it also faces contemporary challenges, such as the preservation of historical heritage, the management of mass tourism and environmental sustainability.
However, on this day of celebration, Romans prefer to focus on what unites their city: its ability to reinvent itself and adapt over the centuries, keeping alive its unique essence and indomitable spirit. Because beyond its monuments and ruins, Rome remains the beating heart of history and culture, an eternal city that continues to inspire entire generations.
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