If you’re spending New Year’s Eve in Rome it’s unlikely you’ll be thinking about the ancient traditions of celebrating a new calendar year.
But for the record, the tradition of celebrating New Year’s Eve on December 31st, and starting a fresh year on January 1st, began with the Julian Calendar of 46 BC.
Like every year, New Year’s Eve in Rome is a special time to celebrate one of the western world’s great events in a European capital.
After Christmas celebrations in Italy, for the night of San Silvestro, there will be parties in the squares, concerts, fireworks and plenty of food.
To get to where the action is, try the Piazza del Popolo and Piazza del Campidoglio for live concerts, while fireworks will take place in the Trastevere district and from Castel Sant Angelo.
A great panoramic spot in the city where you can watch all the fireworks and pyrotechnics display is at Terrazza del Pincio Montemario, or find a friend with an attic apartment and you’re set.
The Piazza del Quirinale will host its traditional classical music concert in the presence of Italian President, Giorgio Napolitano, and Italian politicians.
On the practical side of things, Rome’s metro system will run late into the night to accommodate those who will visit the late night opening museums, theatres, rock concerts and symphony concerts.
Stay tuned for information on disco events and VIP locations, and for more details on December events in Rome, see the Rome events site at 06068.
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