Here’s some top events and activities in Rome for this Summer 2014
The Open Air Music Festival in the middle of Rome's wildest park is about to start!
On June 29 we celebrate our patrons saint Peter and saint Paul in Rome. The traditional celebration, dating back to the first century, is designated a solemnity, the highest ranking feast day on the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar.
The is an annual public holiday in Rome, Italy on June 29. It honors the Catholic saints Peter and Paul, but only offices are closed, all the rest is open as usual and features several special events.
In the morning of June 29th (La Festa di San Pietro e Paolo), Pope Francis will lead a mass in St. Peter's Basilica to celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. As is traditional, the pope will place the pallium (a type of woolen cloak) on archbishops that were appointed over the past year. It serves as a reminder of religious significance of the bishops’ work and symbolizes the unity of the church.
June 29 is one of the two days on the Catholic calendar that St. Peter's bronze statue inside the basilica is draped in red silk and crowned with a tiara. Don’t miss it!
On June 28 and 29 Via della Conciliazione, just outside St. Peter's Square, will feature The "floral carpets” (Infiorata), elaborate religious-themed mosaics made of flower petals, with 50 scenes by International masters to celebrate the Eternal City's patron saints.
Castel S. Angelo will host the traditional Girandola on June 29 at 9pm. Just after sunset, thousands of people will flood the riverfront around Castel Sant'Angelo, taking up viewing positions on the bridges over the the Tiber River to see the fireworks liting up the Tiber River and the ancient monument.
Aznavour in conert. The French version of Frank Sinatra will sing in Rome on July 1 at Foro Italico.
LungoilTevere, the night event along the Tiber’s shores will start on June 12. Shops, restaurants, lounge bars, dancing and much more every night thorough August 31.
The Detour Cinema Club and Ex-Snia feature an independent rebel cinema festival through July 15. Outdoor movie theatre. Original version with Italian subtitles, at Ex-Snia.
Urban Legends.Street art lovers, Rome's Macro museum hosts the exhibition Urban Legends through August 10.
Papal Audience Intermission. June 25 was the last Wednesday general Audience before the summer recess. The next one will be on August 6. Angelus on Sundays goes on as usual.
Roma incontro il Mondo
Where: Villa Ada, via di Ponte Salario, Suburbs: north
When: mid June-early Aug
Tel & website: 06 4173 4712/06 4173 4648/www.villaada.org
Musicians from around the world play on a lakeside stage beneath the venerable trees of the Villa Ada park. Lights reflected in the water and cool breezes make this one of the most atmospheric and relaxing of the summer festivals. If the music palls there are bars and stalls purveying ethnic food, music and books.
Jazz & Image Festival
Where: Villa Celimontana
When: early June-Aug
Tel & website: 06 5833 57817/www.villacelimontanajazz.com
This festival takes place in the leafy Villa Celimontana park and features acclaimed artists (from Incognito to Italian jazz star Stefano Bollani) in an astonishingly beautiful setting. Lots of candles and torches give the place a magical aura. Wine and food stands complete the idyll.
Estate Romana
Where: various locations
When: June-Sept
Website: www.estateromana.it
During the event-packed Estate Romana (Roman Summer) festival, piazze, palazzi, parks and courtyards come alive with music from local bands, films are shown on outdoor screens late into the night, and cultural events such as readings and gastronomic events take place in venues around town. Many events are free; check local press for details. The website may change its address; it can, however, be accessed through the town council website at www.comune.roma.it.
Early- to Mid-July - Expo Tevere. This arts and crafts fair extends along the banks of the Tiber from Ponte Sant'Angelo to Ponte Cavour and also includes stands selling artisan foods, wines, olive oils, and vinegars. This is a great place to pick up an authentic, local gift while in Rome.Cosmophonies – Festival Internazionale di Ostia Antica
COSMOPHONIES
Where: Teatro Romano-Scavi Archeologici di Ostia Antica, viale dei Romagnoli 717
When: June-mid Sept
Tel & website: 333 200 4329/www.cosmophonies.com
Held in the breathtaking scenario of the ancient Roman theatre of Ostia Antica, Cosmophonies is an international festival of theatre, dance and music dishing out acts like Sonic Youth, Morrissey, Caetano Veloso and Jackson Browne. No matter what's happening on stage, these unique surroundings make for a memorable night.
July through September - Isola del Cinema Wide-screen movies are shown outdoors nearly every night during summer on Tiberina Island. This is also part of Estate Romana, or Roman summer.International Chamber Ensemble
INTERNSEMBLE
Where: Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, corso Rinascimento 40, Pantheon & Navona
When: mid June-mid Aug
Tel & website: 06 8680 0125/www.interensemble.org
Chamber and symphonic music, as well as opera, takes place in a splendid example of Renaissance architecture: the courtyard of Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, the hallowed 15th-century seat of Rome university.
Fiesta
Where: via Appia Nuova 1245, Suburbs: east
When: mid June-mid Aug
Tel & website: 06 7129 9858/toll-free credit card bookings 199 109 910/www.fiesta.it
This hectic Latin American-themed festival regularly attracts almost a million people over the summer months with performances by Latin American bands, plus appearances by some international rock, pop and hip hop stars. There are four dancefloors, scores of restaurants and stalls... and lots of salsa and merengue. Come early: transport and parking can be a nightmare.
Concerti all'Orto Botanico
Where: Largo Cristina di Svezia 24, Trastevere
When: July
Tel & website: 06 686 8441/06 3936 6322/fax 06 3936 6229/www.assmusrom.it
Organised by the Associazione Musicale Romana, these concerts – which include Gershwin and Piazzola as well as mainstream chamber music – take place in the botanical gardens, where a natural amphitheatre makes for a lovely venue for a limited number of spectators. Booking essential.
AltaRomAltaModa
Where: venues vary
When:5 days mid July
Tel & website: information 06 678 1313/www.altaroma.it
Though often in the shade of glitzier, trendier Milan, Rome's fashion community is treated twice a year to a sneak preview of the coming season's collections by Roman designers, and an appearance by a handful of international talent.
Invito alla Danza
Where: Villa Pamphili
When: mid July
Tel & website: 06 5831 0086, 06 3973 8323/www.invitoalladanza.it
This annual dance fest is held in the beautiful gardens of the Villa Pamphili. The programme, with both classical and modern offerings, presents a performance every evening for about two weeks, and often includes international companies and stars.
New Operafestival di Roma
Where: Piazza San Clemente 1, Celio
When: mid July-mid Aug
Tel & website: 347 852 4241/www.newoperafestivaldiroma.com
This festival offers talented young musicians and singers from Italy and the US the chance to perform in the courtyard of the basilica of San Clemente. There's always at least one fully fledged opera, plus chamber music and a series of recitals.
CONCERTS
Metallica - Rock in Rome
Where - Ippodromo delle Capannelle
When - 1st July
Rufus Wainright
Where - Parco della Musica
When - 3rd July
Black Keys - Rock in Rome
Where - Ippodromo delle Capannelle
When - 8th July
Massive Attack
Where - Parco della Musica/Santa Cecilia
When - 8th July
Damon Albarn
Where - Parco della Musica/Santa Cecilia
When - 15th July
Lumineers - Rock in Rome
Where - Ippodromo delle Capannelle
When - 16th July
James Blunt
Where - Parco della Musica
When - 21st July
Placebo
Where - Ippodromo delle Capannelle
When - 24th July
Simple Minds
Where - Auditorium Parco della Musica
When - 27th July
Carolyn Carlson
Where - Parco Della Musica/Sala Santa Cecilia
When - 3rd July 2014
Toscana Music Festival
Where - Arch of Constantine
When - 24th July 2014
Herbie Hancock & Wayne Shorter
Where - Parco Della Musica/Sala Santa Cecilia
When - 26th July 2014
Festa de Noantri
Where: Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere/piazza Mastai
When: mid-end July
Though few traces of Trastevere's working-class roots remain today, the area's residents celebrate its humble origins with gusto during the Festa de' Noantri. Festivities kick off with a procession held in honour of the Madonna del Carmine, to whom the whole shebang is theoretically dedicated. Two weeks of arts events and street performances follow, and fireworks round off the closing night.
