Seasonal Events

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS December 8: L'Immacolata, celebrates the immaculate conception, and kickstarts the Christmas season: cue decorations and nativity scenes, including a life-size version at St Peter’s. December 24: There’s a (free) ticketed Midnight Mass on Christmas eve at St Peter’s Basilica. Midnight mass at Santa Maria Maggiore is less busy than St Peter’s, and a great event in a beautiful basilica. December 25: Pope Francis gives his Christmas blessing at noon from the balcony overlooking St Peter’s Piazza. December 8 – January 6: Visit the Christmas market in Piazza Navona with stalls selling sweets and presepe figures. New Year’s Eve: Celebrated with fireworks, usually centered on Circus Maximus, and visible from rooftops such as at Babuino 181. New Year’s Day: At noon is the ‘Tuffo nel Tevere’ - divers dive into the Tiber River. January 6: On Epiphany, the arrival of the Magi (three kings) is celebrated with a medieval parade along Via del Conciliazione carrying gifts for the Pope, who will say a 10am mass in St Peter’s. January 4: Rome’s Retail Sales begin and run till 15th February. February: Carnivale takes place before the start of Lent, usually in February, with costumed parades close to Rome Luxury Suites. WINTER FOOD: White truffles are in season: taste the best at Rome Luxury Suites’ EMME restaurant. Campagna Amica farmers’ market, with foodstuffs and tastings, takes place close to Circus Maximus, from 10.30am to 7pm Saturday and Sunday. Delicious winter produce on the menu includes fennel, radicchio and cavolo nero.

SPRING EVENTS: Good Friday and Easter Sunday parades (dates variable) plus the Pope’s address on Easter Sunday from a balcony above St Peter’s Square. March 15: Beware the Ides of March: every year on this date Rome reenacts the assassination of Julius Caesar, at the Largo di Torre Argentina, site of his murder. April: Festa di Primavera in marks the arrival of spring with pots of hot-pink azaleas ablaze on the Spanish Steps. April 21: Rome celebrates its birthday with parades of photogenic gladiators and toga-clad Romans. It starts at Circo Massimo, and makes a circuit around Ancient Rome via the Colosseum. April 25: Festa della Liberazione celebrates the liberation of Italy post WWII, with parades and music on. May 1: The traditional free May Day concert takes place on, at either San Giovanni or Circus Maximus.   SPRING SPORTS: Six Nations Rugby games take place in March in Stadio Olimpico, a short hop from Rome Luxury Suites. Rome Marathon: The world’s most scenic marathon route takes place in Rome in March, winding through the historic centre of Rome. Let us advise you on the best viewing spots. Italian Open: Tennis’s biggest stars come to Rome in May, at Foro Italico, an easy trip from Rome Luxury Suites.   SPRING FOOD: Seasonal produce to taste include Lazio’s splendid artichokes, fave (broad beans) and zucchini flowers, strawberries and cherries. Campagna Amica farmers’ market takes place 10.30am to 7pm Saturday and Sunday by Circus Maximus.

SUMMER HAPPENINGS: June – August: Rome’s lovely summer riverside festival, Lungo il Tevere, is clustered around Tiberina Island in summer, with stalls, music, food and events. June 2: Republic Day celebrating the birth of the Italian Republic in 1946. There’s a wreath laid at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a military parade along Via dei Fori Imperiali. June to early August: Rome Summer Fest (Estate Romana) takes place with performances in spectacular venues. June: Rock in Roma headlines with superstar acts at venues including Circus Maximus and the Campanelle Racecourse, both in easy reach of Rome Luxury Suites. July: Feast of Noantri (of ‘the others’) takes place in July in Trastevere, with religious parades and marching bands. August 15: The national holiday of Ferragosto takes place on the feast of the Assumption. The Vatican Museums are closed but other sites remain open. August: Longines Global Champions Show Jumping takes place in Circus Maximus   SUMMER FOOD: Stone fruits such as peaches, nectarines, apricots are at their finest in summer. Other fruits include melon, watermelon and figs. Summer vegetables include aubergine (eggplant), peppers, and tomatoes. Porchetta (roasted deboned pork stuffed with herbs) and lamb are seasonal meats on local menus.

Autumn has arrived in Rome. It is one of the best times to visit the eternal city. The bigger crowds have almost disappeared and after a long summer Rome truly comes alive with unique events and treats. From festivals to mouth-watering Roman plates, here’s what you can look forward to this fall in Rome.   Fall Harvest – What to Eat?   Fall is all about flavors. Try and experience some of the most interesting dishes in Roman cuisine featuring fresh seasonal ingredients. Here are some must-tries: Tortelli di Zucca: These pasta filled with pumpkin are a classic fall dish in the eternal city. They are often served with just a light butter and sage sauce. Castagnaccio: A more rustic, dense chestnut cake often made with rosemary, raisins, and pine nuts—perfect when accompanied by an espresso. Guancia di Manzo and Broccoletti: A stewed beef cheek with traditional and seasonal Roman broccoli. A must you can experience in our restaurant Emme. Ask the reception for a table in our intimate restaurant with a hidden garden. Carciofi alla Giudia: Artichokes are a Roman specialty you can't miss. Especially in the Jewish Quarter, where this ancient recipe is still made to perfection following authentic recipes. Tagliolino al Tartufo: A timeless pasta dish served with butter and truffle. The perfect way to enjoy the truffle season in the comfort of our new restaurant Da Mariolino, a couple of steps from the Spanish Steps. Last but not least, for a very local taste of Roman fall, head to the Campagna Amica Market near Circus Maximus. It is only open on weekends from 10:30am to 7pm, but there you will be able to enjoy a selection of fresh bites, cheeses, and meats straight from local farms.   Unique Experiences – What to Do?   Fall in Rome isn’t just about food. Here is our selection of what to see and what to do in town: Rome Jazz Festival (1-23 November 2024): Jazz amateurs will love the return of this iconic festival. Performances take place at both the Auditorium Parco della Musica and Casa del Jazz, showcasing a curated selection of world-renowned artists to up-and-coming talent. Autumn Walks on the Appian Way: October and November are perfect months to visit the ancient Appian Way. With the fall colors on full display and fewer tourists, you can immerse yourself in the history of Rome on a road once traveled by Roman soldiers. Our concierge can arrange a tour for you. Rome’s Rose Garden (6-20 October 2024): Hidden on the Aventine Hill where Romans like to breathe, Rome’s rose garden is in full bloom for just a few weeks in October. Take a peaceful morning walk through the garden’s 1,100 varieties of roses, and enjoy stunning views of the city from this tranquil spot. No matter how you choose to spend your fall days in Rome, the city offers endless opportunities to explore, taste, and experience its magic.