Epiphany
Celebrations are nationwide, with one of the most festive celebrations taking place at the Epiphany Fair at Rome's Piazza Navona on 6 January.

New Years Day
A candlelit processions takes place in the Catacombs.

Carnevale
This festival marks the last day of the children's market in Piazza Navona, and lasts until dawn of the following day. Children dress up and a few nightclubs put on special parties during the week before Lent.

Festa di San Giuseppe
The Feast of Saint Joseph is celebrated on 19 March in the Trionfale neighbourhood, located between the Vatican and Monte Mario. Food stalls are set up to serve fritelle (fried pastries) and there’s usually a special market near the church of San Giuseppe.

La Fiesta di Primavera (Spring Festival)
This colourful festival adorns the Spanish Steps with masses of beautiful pink azaleas.

Procession of the Cross (Easter)
A candlelit procession to the Colosseum on Good Friday evening is led by the Pope. At noon on Easter Sunday, the Pope gives his traditional blessing from the balcony in Saint Peter’s Square, which is packed with pilgrims.

Rome’s Birthday
April 21 is the birthday of Rome and to celebrate, the city provides parades, fireworks and free entry to many museums.

Festa del Lavoro (Labour Day)
A free rock concert is held on 1 May, outside basilica of San Giovanni.

Fiera d’Arte di Via Margutta
A four-day art fair is held in late May at Via Margutta.

Mostra dell Antiquariato
An array of antique fairs are held during the middle to the end of May at Via dei Coronari, near Piazza Navona.

International Horse Show
Head to Piazza di Siena in the Villa Borghese gardens for this fantastic jumping show by some of the best international horses and riders.

Telecom Italia Tennis Masters Roma
Tennis fans will enjoy this competition, which has grown to attract some of the biggest names on the circuit. It is held during the first two weeks of May. Visit www.masters-series.com for more information.

Birth of John the Baptist
Many people celebrate the birth of Saint John the Baptist on 23-24 June. Most celebrations take place around the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano where a special market offers lots of lovely porchetta (pork) to eat.

Feast of San Pietro e Paolo
Saint Peter and Saint Paul are the patron saint of Rome and are honoured every 29th of June with major celebrations at Saint Peters cathedral.

Estate Romana
The big event of the summer lasts from June through September. Music, dance, cultural and film events and activities take place in Rome’s parks, archaeological sites, villas and courtyards. Two of the most popular events are held on Caelian Hill: the Villa Celimontana Jazz concerts and Massenzio Film Festival.

Festa de Noantri
Trastevere, one of Rome’s most colourful quarter, becomes a gigantic outdoor restaurant, with tables lining the streets and merrymakers and musicians providing the entertainment. After reaching the quarter, find the first empty table and try to get a waiter. Held in the 3rd week of July.

Roma Alta Moda
Get a glimpse of the newest haute couture at fashion shows in Piazza di Spagna and smart hotels in mid-July.

Estate Romana
The big event of the summer lasts from June through September. (See June listing for more details.)

Notte Bianca
Enjoy numerous free events, museum-openings and concerts through the night, usually held on the third Saturday in September throughout the city.

Fiera d’Arte di Via Margutta
This is a four-day art fair, enjoyed by many at Via Margutta, late October.

Mostra dell’Antiquariato
Antique fairs take place during mid-end October at Via dei Coronari, near Piazza Navona.

Ottobrata Romana
Musical events take place throughout the month in Trastevere.

Sagra dell’Uva
On the first Sunday of the month, you can sample free white wine in the picturesque Castelli Romani just outside the city in Marino.

Christmas Blessing by the Pope
The Pope delivers his blessing from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in Piazza di San Pietro at noon on 25 December.

Midnight Mass
The Pope delivers a midnight mass on Christmas Eve (24 December) at Saint Peter’s Basilica.

Mercato di Piazza Navona
A large market sets up in Piazza Navona, selling food and craft items from mid-December to 6 January.

San Silvestro/Capo d’Anno 
New Year’s Eve festivities take place throughout the city on 31 December. Romans east, drink and joyfully throw a few plates out their windows to welcome the New Year. The Pope visits the Chiesa del Gesu and signs the Te Deum, while the Mayor presents a chalice to the presiding priest.

Toy Fair
During the first week in December, the Piazza Navona comes alive with a toy fare including numerous handmade presepi (Christmas Nativity Scene) characters and rustic touches like bagpipe players, bright lights and fun.

Veglia di Preghiera 
A Prayer Vigil is held for the passage to the New Year on 31 December at Saint Peter’s Basilica.

New Year's Day 1 January
Epiphany 6 January
Easter Monday March/April*
Liberation Day 25 April
Labour Day 1 May
Anniversary of the Founding of the Republic 2 June
Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul 29 June
Feast of the Assumption (Ferragosto) 15 August
All Saints Day 1 November
Feast of the Immaculate Conception 8 December
Christmas Day 25 December
Saint Stephen's Day (Boxing Day) 26 December