Natale di Roma: Rome's Birthday on 21 April, with Legionaries and Gladiators

Updated on October 5, 2026

Every 21 April, Rome celebrates its legendary foundation by Romulus in 753 BC: this is the Natale di Roma, the "Dies Natalis Urbis". The festival is entirely free and is organised by the Gruppo Storico Romano around the Circo Massimo and the Imperial Forums, with hundreds of re-enactors dressed as legionaries, senators and gladiators. In 2026, the 26th edition marked the city's 2,779th birthday from 18 to 21 April; in 2027, 21 April falls on a Wednesday and marks the 2,780th. The exact 2027 programme is only published a few weeks beforehand: the times below are those of 2026 and serve as a guide, as the overall pattern stays the same from year to year.

Highlights

Legionaries in formation

More than 1,300 re-enactors from 16 European countries took part in the 2026 edition, with red shields, crested helmets and reconstructed weapons. The groups set up camps and perform drill demonstrations that you can watch up close, without a ticket.

The great historical parade

Described by the organisers as the largest of its kind in Europe, it took place on Sunday 19 April in 2026. On 21 April, a procession leaves the Circo Massimo at 11am, passes along via dei Cerchi, skirts the Theatre of Marcellus, then follows via dei Fori Imperiali to the Colosseum before returning.

The rites and the battle at the Circo Massimo

On 21 April 2026, the official ceremony took place at 10am, the "tracing of the furrow" (the founding of the city) at 3pm, the Palilia rite at 4:50pm and the battle of Spartacus at 5:15pm, in the ancient circus overlooked by the Palatine Hill.

The gladiator fights

Over the four days, tournaments and educational workshops present the weapons, techniques and rituals of the gladiators. It is the children's favourite activity.

The Imperial Forums

Some of the events take place along the Imperial Forums and near the Roman Forum: the ideal setting for a festival that celebrates antiquity.

Practical info

Tips

Entry is free to all events, with no booking. The theme changes every year: in 2026 it was "Rome, city of law and hospitality". Check the official website of the Gruppo Storico Romano before you go, as venues and times change from one edition to the next. Via dei Fori Imperiali is closed to traffic during the procession: plan to get around on foot or by metro. The Circo Massimo is a large grassy field with no shade and few benches: bring water, a hat and good shoes, and keep your belongings on you in the crowd. 21 April is not a public holiday in Italy: sites such as the Colosseum and the Forum stay open at their usual hours, but the surrounding area is very busy. Programme checked in October 2026 for the 2026 edition.

How to get there

Circo Massimo, via del Circo Massimo, 00186 Rome. Metro line B, Circo Massimo station, which opens right onto the site; for the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums, metro line B, Colosseo station. Bus lines in the centre are diverted during the processions: see our guide to getting around Rome.