Birthday of Rome - 26th edition - Historical re-enactment by the Gruppo Storico Romano

Rome returns to being Rome for its 2779^th birthday, with the 26th edition of the Natale di Roma (Birthday of Rome), the largest event in the world dedicated to the historical re-enactment of Ancient Rome.

Organised by the Gruppo Storico Romano, the event will take place from 18 to 21 April 2026 and will centre on the theme “Roma, città del diritto e dell’accoglienza” (Rome, city of law and hospitality) – a direct reference to the Capital’s historic and universal role as the cradle of Western legal civilisation.

Over 1,300 re-enactors from 16 European countries, alongside an international delegation from Taiwan, are ready to bring to life four days of widespread events, including historical re-enactments, cultural activities, and institutional gatherings across the city’s most iconic locations, such as the Pantheon, Circus Maximus, Imperial Fora, the MuCiv - Museo delle Civiltà, and the Museo Nazionale Romano.

All events are free and open to the public, reaffirming the festival’s mission to make culture accessible and shared. This is an event that does not merely recreate the past, but restores it to the present, turning it into a living, collective experience.

Among the most anticipated highlights:

• The Historical Parade, scheduled for Sunday 19 April, the largest of its kind in Europe;
• The Gladiator Tournament, along with ritual re-enactments and educational activities for the general public;
• Institutional and cultural events on 21 April, Dies Natalis Urbis.

The Natale di Roma stands out for its high institutional and international profile, recognised by seven Medals of the President of the Republic and supported by the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, ENIT S.p.A., the Lazio Region, Roma Capitale, and the Embassies of Romania, Belgium, and the Czech Republic, as well as the endorsement of the President of the Culture Committee of the Chamber of Deputies.

Natale di Roma – Photo by Alfredo Gasparini