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

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). Photo credit: Stefano Carocci Ph / Shutterstock.com. 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 more than 30 years, has brought ancient Roman history to life. This year the festival is taking place from 17-21 April, for 2026 programme details see official website.