For more information about these and other events, contact the Rome tourist office, Ente Provinciale per il Turismo, Via Parigi 11, Roma 00185 (tel. 06/48899253). Dates may vary from year to year.

Below you'll find a summary of Rome's annual events, festivals, and happenings.

January

Carnival, in Piazza Navona. This marks the last day of the children's market and lasts until dawn of the following day. On or around January 5.

Festa di Sant'Agnese, at Sant'Agnese Fuori le Mura. In this ancient ceremony, two lambs are blessed and shorn. The wool is then used later for palliums. On or around mid-January.

March

Festa di Santa Francesca Romana, at Piazzale del Colosseo, near the Church of Santa Francesca Romana in the Roman Forum. It's a blessing of cars. On or around March 9.

Festa di San Giuseppe, in the Trionfale Quarter, north of the Vatican. The heavily decorated statue of the saint is brought out at a fair with food stalls, concerts, and sporting events. On or around March 19.

April

Festa della Primavera. The Spanish Steps are decked out with banks of flowers, and orchestral and choral concerts are presented in Trinità dei Monti later. Dates vary.

Holy Week. The most notable procession is led by the pope, passing the Colosseum and the Roman Forum up to Palatine Hill. A torchlit parade caps the observance. Sometimes at the end of March, but often in April.

Easter Sunday, from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. The pope gives his blessing, and it's broadcast around the world.

May

International Horse Show (Concorso Ippico Internazionale di Piazza di Siena), at Piazza di Siena in the Villa Borghese. May 1 to 10, but dates vary.

June

Son et Lumière. The Roman Forum and Tivoli are dramatically lit at night. Early June to the end of September.

Festa di San Pietro, in St. Peter's Basilica. The most significant Roman religious festival is observed with solemn rites. Usually around June 29.

July

La Festa di Noiantri. Trastevere, the most colorful quarter of Old Rome, becomes a gigantic outdoor restaurant in mid-July as tons of food and drink are consumed at tables lining the streets. Merrymakers and musicians provide the entertainment. After reaching the quarter, find the first empty table and try to get a waiter, but guard your valuables. Mid-July.

August

Festa della Catene, in the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli. The relics of St. Peter's captivity go on display. August 1.

Ferragosto. Beginning on August 15, most city residents not directly involved with the tourist trade take a 2-week vacation (many restaurants are closed as well). This is a good time not to be in Rome.

September

Sagra dell'Uva, in the Basilica of Maxentius in the Roman Forum. During the harvest festival, musicians in ancient costumes entertain, and grapes are sold at reduced prices. Usually early September, but dates vary.

December

Papal Blessing "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and to the world), from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. It's broadcast around the world. December 25 at noon.