Ilaria Marsili Rome's Blog - Ilaria Marsili Rome Tours

August 15th: Ferragosto

8/15/2018

August 15, or Ferragosto, is the assumption of the Virgin Mary, one of the most important holidays on the Catholic calendar. In Italy it is a national Holiday.

The origin of the feast dates back to the reign of emperor Augustus: in 18 BC he instituted the Feriae Augusti to mark the end of summer harvest and provide a day of rest for all. As frequently happen the pagan date now coincide with a religious one.

Ferragosto is one of this clue days along the year when we party and look for absolute leisure with our beloved ones.
The week around August 15 is when you easily find many commercial sites closed for vacation as traditionally August is the month we select for summer vacations.
On August 15 in Rome, many major sites are open except the Vatican museum.

July Sales

7/6/2018

Summer sales kick off 6 July.

In all shops the prices of the spring and summer collections are discounted from 20 to even 70 percent.

Of course, the first days of sales are the ones with the largest assortment of items, but as the days pass by the discounts became even most consistent.

If you’re visiting Rome during the sales season don’t miss spending few hours shopping!

Saints Peter and Paul Day, June 29th

6/29/2018

Every year on June 29th we celebrate our patron saints, Peter and Paul.

According to tradition, the two apostles came to Rome and were both martyred in the same period under the order of Emperor Nero, although in different places.

The Pope offices a solemn Mass in Saint Peter Basilica dedicated to the saints Peter and Paul in the morning.

The recital of the Angelus is held in Saint Peter square at noon

June 24th: the Night of the Witches

6/24/2018

Saint John day used to be celebrated with night parties and special traditions on June 24th The event started the eve before and lasted until dawn. It was the night of the witches.
The romans believed that the ghosts of Herodias and Salome were condemn to wander on a broom at night to espy the sin of beheading St John the Baptist, and on that night, all witches met in St John’s square.

The romans left their homes and gathered in the square to pray and eat snails.

Republic Day: June 2nd

6/2/2018

On June 2nd we celebrate the anniversary of the creation of the Italian Republic, it is a national holiday.
On this date in 1946 we held a referendum to choose between republic and monarchy.
With 12.717.923 votes for and 10.719.284 against Italy become a republic and the reigning Savoy family had to go into exile.
Every year, on the morning of June 2nd, a great military parade occur along the via dei Fori Imperiali before the highest authorities of the State.
The firemen unroll a huge tricolor flag covering 5 arches of the coliseum.
The main attraction is the ‘Frecce Tricolore’ National Aerobatic Team of the Italian Air Force

Corpus Domini Celebration

5/31/2018

The feast of Corpus Domini dates back from the middle ages.

It was instituted by Pope Urban IV in 1264 after the famous Miracle of Bolsena.

In papal Rome every year on Corpus Domini day a solemn procession was led by the pope from the Sistine chapel along the Borgo neighborhood. The pope holding the sacrament was carried on his chair and followed by cortege of about 3.000 people among cardinals, prelates, clergy, Swiss guards and noblemen.

May 31st: Compeed Golden Gala

5/30/2018

Every year this is the main athletics event in the capital.

This year it will be the 38th event.

The greatest world’s athletes compete to win in the Eternal City.

It’s held in the Olympic Stadium and

Race for the Cure: May 17th till May 20th

5/17/2018

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is held in Rome every May. This year the 4-days events will be as usual held in the Circus Maximus, where there are all kinds of things to participate in, leading up to the race. The dates will be: May 17, 18, 19 and the race ending the event will be on Sunday 20th.

The race goes through the historic center of Rome. For moore informations check the site for the race in Rome: http://www.raceroma.it/

The website is in Italian; if you want to learn more about the events or to participate. you can try to translate with translate.google.com

Open House: May 12th and 13th

5/12/2018

During this weekend you may visit many buildings, palaces and monuments in and around Rome for free.
House Rome is an annual event that in a single weekend allows the free opening of hundreds of buildings of the Capital notable for their architectural and artistic peculiarities. You may visit historic palaces, private residences not normally open to the public.

It's a chance to find detailed information on the visiting programs. Check their Facebook page that is the most up to date, and their website.
Links are below:
https://www.facebook.com/OpenHouseRM
http://www.openhouseroma.org/pagina-base/cose-openhouse-roma.html

BNL Tennis Championships: May 7th till the 20th

5/7/2018

If you are in Rome and love tennis, you may already know that every May, the BNL Tennis championships are held at the Olympic Stadium (Foro Italico) in Rome. This year it starts on Monday May 7th 2018, with finals on the following Sunday, May 20 2018.
It will be the case of a great world event, the season’s “Fifth Grand Slam”.
The Tournament will be a “combined event”, staging both a men’s and women’s matches during 9 days, besides the pre-qualifying draw.
This means that you will be able to watch both the world’s best men’s and women’s matches on the same day, plus both doubles, as during a Grand Slam tournament,

You may find more details and tickets through their website below:

http://www.internazionalibnlditalia.com/en/

"Open Courtyards" Event

5/4/2018

Every year in May the ADSI (Associazione Dimore Storiche Antiche) holds its annual "Open Courtyards" event.
During the all day, on a Sunday by the end of the month, you may visit courtyards of historic palazzos and private residences normally closed to the public.

Right now, when I’m scheduling the blog, the date of 2018 event is not posted yet.

For information:
tel. 066832774, e-mail lazio@adsi.it, and for full Rome program see the ADSI website.
http://www.adsi.it/
https://www.facebook.com/www.adsi.it/

May First in Papal Rome

5/2/2018

On May 1st traditionally named ’Calendimaggio’a great feast occurred in Rome.

A main happening was the ‘Cuccagna’ a tree planted in the Capitol square full of delicious foods but covered with a slippery substance. The romans were rivalling to climb the Cuccagna tree and get the prize. It was not easy and it was one of the occasions of rivalry between the bullies.

The tradition continued until the middle of the seventeen century.

The painting of the Cuccagna tree is by Agostino Tassi (1631-16329 and can be found in the ‘Museo di Roma’

May 1st: Labour Day

5/1/2018

Fava Beans

We love this national holiday called Workers' Day, or primo Maggio. We don’t work, the most of the attractions are closed It’s one of the great occasion for picnic or big outdoor lunch with family and friends.
Must have food is ‘fave e pecorino’: Fava beans and Pecorino cheese, very tasty… a bite of pecorino cheese and a bean while chatting and having fun and wine.
On May 1,the big happening is the free concert in front of the Basilica of San Giovanni.it is a great musical event attended by thousands of people. It is organized by the trade unions.
It starts around 2pm and finishes around midnight, with many local and international artists playing throughout. The crowd is enormous, very young and enthusiastic. If you are not attending the concert, I suggest avoiding the area.

Liberation Day: April 25

4/25/2018

Liberation Day, the Festa della Liberazione, celebrates the end of Nazi occupation during World War II, and the end of Fascist rule in Italy. It’s an important national holiday in Rome and in Italy.

The main event is the solemn tribute to the tomb of the unknown soldier in the Vittoriano by the President of the Italian Republic and the highest offices of the State that takes place in the morning.
The President lays a laurel wreath on the altar in memory of the fallen and missing Italians in the wars.

Rome's Birthday: April 21

4/21/2018

Rome was founded on April 21, 753 BC. We have a very long history! For us April 21st is quite an holiday: the ‘Natale di Roma’.

Each year we celebrate in the morning with an historical parade that start in the Circus Maximus, proceed along the Foro Boario, at the bottom of the Capitol, reach Venezia square and then it winds along via dei Fori Imperiali to the Colosseum and back along via di San Gregorio to the Circus Maximus.

Practically the same route of the ancient triumphal processions but in reverse.

Happy Birthday Rome!

4/21/2018

Rome is 2.771 years old today. Happy birthday my sweetheart!

Rome Birds

4/21/2018

Strolling in town we are in constant contact with animals, mainly birds.

They are all over the places, in the historical center and among the ruins... birds are always resting atop of statues, bathing in fountains, dominating the city from the highs of the columns or obelisks.

This is a tribute to our feathered companions.

Formula E Race Tests

4/14/2018

Taken by My husband this morning.

ABB Fia Formula E Championship, April 14

4/13/2018

This is brand new…

never happened before that a car race would take place in the EUR roman neighborhood.

The Formula E is electric but they reach an amazing speed… the itinerary will pass by the EUR obelisk, on via Cristoforo Colombo, by the ‘Nuvola’ or Cloud, Palazzo dei Congressi etc.

Basically 5 minutes away from where I live.

Surely, the EUR was designed in grand scale, with large avenues and open spaces back in the 30s of the last century, nevertheless I cannot imagine the road I daily use turned into a race circuit.

It has been crazy for us this week, with roads closings and such. I am curious…my husband will try to see the tests tomorrow. I may see it Sunday on television…

Rome’s Marathon What to Visit if You’re in Rome During the Marathon’s Day.

4/8/2018

One of the most beautiful and important world’s marathon is held in Rome every year in March or April. It takes place on Sunday. This year, 2018 it will be April 8th.
The race gives the participants the chance to run 42 kilometers surrounded by art, history, archeology and architecture from the past 2000 years.
The beginning and the marathon’s end is by the roman forum and coliseum!
It’s considered one of the most impressive and fascinating marathon of the world attended by professional athletes and passionate alike. The participants came from Italy and all over the world.

Night Pilgrimage on Foot to the Sanctuary of Our Lady Of Divine Love

4/7/2018

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Divine Love is our beloved and venerated place of worship since 1740.

In the middle of the countryside, there was a much-venerated image of Virgin Mary painted on a medieval tower.

A wayfarer on his way to Rome was attacked by a pack of rabid dogs. He saw the Votive image, prayed Virgin Mary and cried for help. Immediately the dogs calmed down and fled into the countryside.

The news of the miracle soon spread out and faithful to the sanctuary constantly increased. The Pope Bendict XIV built a sanctuary by the tower where the holy image is preserved. Folk pilgrimages continue today.

The origin of the word Municipality

4/3/2018

The word originate from the Roman times, first century before christ, the time of the reform that followed the right of citizenship granted by Rome to the allied in Italy.
Instead of small villages ( in Latin ‘pagi ‘ the state privileged the creation of larger settlements: the ‘municipium’
In Latin ‘municipium’ derives from ‘munia capere’, that means to assume the burden of the citizen. Therefore commitment and responsibility on behalf of the citizens.

Pasquetta’: Easter Monday

4/2/2018

Easter Monday is a public holiday known as ‘Pasquetta’ Little Easter
We say ‘Pasqua di rinascita, Pasquetta di Festa’: Easter is for ribirth, Ester Monday for partying !
In Pasquetta we traditionally relax with friends having a picnic outdoor.
In the morning, the Italians pack a grill, simple food or leftover and head out on a trip to the lakes, beach, forest or to one of Rome’s parks.

Easter Sunday

4/1/2018

On Easter Sunday the resurrection is celebrated with a Holy Mass and the Benediction ‘Urbi et Orbi’ held by the Pope in Saint Peter square.

At home Easter involve a breakfast with boiled eggs, salami and hot chocolate.

The Easter lunch includes lamb and fried artichokes, and of course chocolate eggs and the dove-shaped ‘Colomba’ cake.

In Italy we say: ‘Natale con I tuoi e Pasqua con chi vuoi’: Christmas with your family, Easter with who you want.

Easter day is when we have our amazing and never-ending traditional meals with friends and family alike.

Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil

3/31/2018

Throughout the catholic world, Holy Saturday is traditionally a day of quiet waiting, between the death of Jesus and his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

In Rome, as elsewhere, there are no religious ceremonies during the day until the Easter vigil, that begins not long after sunset.

In saint Peter basilica the pope presides this long ceremony during which God’s promises to his people are read.. An highlight is the baptism of adults who have been preparing to become members of the church at Easter.

Vatican Basilica, at 21:00: Easter Vigil Papal Mass

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This blog is aimed to share with you my Roman experiences, reflections and researches.

My clients normally fall in love with Rome, as I am, and on their way back home express the desire of knowing more about its history and artistic treasures.

This blog is for them and for everyone else that loves beauty, history, art, curiosities…and more, even my Italian recipes!!

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