The cultural experts at OMNIA Vatican and Rome are getting involved in the local festivities and celebrations happening in Rome this summer. From historic religious festas, to live music events, here are some of the most talked-about things to do this summer in Rome. If you’re looking for ways to experience Rome with the locals, you won’t want to miss any of these traditional summer celebrations!
Festivals have traditionally played an important part in Roman life–ever since ancient times when religious festivals made up a significant part of the Roman calendar. Whether they were public, private or holy days, celebrations were many and varied. It’s still much the same today and the institution of celebrating has been upheld. Whilst the celebrations and festivities might take a different form these days than 2000 years ago, the excitement and anticipation are just as high!
If you’re visiting Rome in July, August or September, here are some summer highlights and events taking place over the coming months:
Roma Incontra il Mondo – Villa Ada Festival
June-July 2015 at Villa Ada, Via de Ponte Salario, 28, Roma
Villa Ada is one of the most picturesque parks in Rome and welcomes hundreds of picnickers over the summer months, to take in the landscape. As of mid-June, however, there’s another reason to climb the hill and walk through the sprawling green meadows and lakes. The Villa Ada Festival is back for another year and it looks better than ever. As well as featuring an impressive line up of international musical talent like CocoRosie, Angus & Julia Stone and De La Soul, the festival also champions Italian musicians and pop favorites. If you’re a fan of the whole festival vibe, you can also enjoy longer weekend events such as Roma Brucia and Roma Fest to keep you going from morning ’til night!
Festa de Noantri
Wednesday 15th July – Thursday 30th July at Piazza Maria in Trastevere
Festa de Noantri is one of the most humble but religious celebrations of the summer and is really a local festival–so definitely one to see if you want that authentic Roman experience. Typically held in Trastevere, the festival is supported by local residents who take part in a procession and parade the Madonna Fiumarola through the cobbled streets. The tradition started when a wooden statue of the Virgin was said to have been caught in a net by some fishermen, many years ago. The statue was considered an object of veneration and has been paraded through the streets ever since. Nowadays, this is also celebrated with free-flowing wine and food from street vendors for the duration of the festitivities.
Jazz & Image Festival
June – August 2015 at Villa Celimontana, Via Alessandro Poerio, 112, 00152 Roma
The leafy park, Villa Celimontana, plays host to the Jazz & Image Festival throughout the summer. Any jazz lover will adore the line-up and swoon at the variety of classical and modern names taking centre stage between June and August. When the sun sets, enjoy the performances in a soft romantic setting, lit by candles and torches to accentuate the mood of the music. You can expect to see names like Incognito and Stefano Bollani, among many others. It truly is a magical experience for fans of the moody blues!
Estate Romana
June – September at various locations
Many of Rome’s main summer events are under the umbrella of Estate Romana. This summer-long event has a packed timetable of films, brands and food festivals spread across the city. If you want to explore the rich programme Estate Romana is hosting, head down to the popular piazze, palazzi and parks to catch a glimpse of what’s going on. Most events are free which is handy for those who just want to stop by, just make sure you bring enough small change for the local delicacies and artisanal souvenirs sold at the stalls and stands along the way.
Cosmophonies – Festival Internazionale de Ostia Antica
June – mid-September at Teatro Romano-Scavi Archeologici di Ostia Antica, Viale dei Romognoli 717
Slightly outside Rome’s city centre is Ostia Antica. The stunning archaeological site provides breath-taking backdrops to Cosmophonies, an international festival of theatre, dance and music. It’s not one to be sniffed at, headlining the Festival in the past has been Sonic Youth, Morrissey and Caetano Veloso. There are few other, if any, festivals where you can sit in an ancient amphitheatre under the shadow of pine trees being entertained by live performers on a warm Rome rummer night…
Terme di Caracalla 2015
23rd June – 8th August at Terme di Caracalla, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome
The world-acclaimed Terme di Caracalla Festival is back with an incredible programme to take you through the summer of 2015. Held in the stunning and historic ancient public baths, the Terme di Caracalla were built between 212-217 AD during the reign of Emperor Caracalla so you can’t beat the location for a true historic Roman experience. It’s definitely one for your bucket list! The iconic arts festival started in the 1930s and has grown in popularity, this year welcoming the likes of Elton John and Bob Dylan, among other world-class acts. The packed 2015 programme also features Madame Butterful and Pink Floyd Ballet.
As you can see there is plenty to take part in when you’re visiting Rome this summer. Romans love a celebration and festival, whether its championing international and Italian music greats, feasting on great food and wine or celebrating the lives of the holy saints. Either way, each summer celebration and festival is a unique experience of true, Roman traditions!