The traditional celebration of the Marian miracle returns on 5 August
On August 5 Rome hosts a captivating event that defies the summer heat both symbolically and practically – the celebration of the Madonna della Neve (Our Lady of the Snows). This cherished occasion involves the recreation of an extraordinary miraculous snowfall outside the magnificent Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore.
The Legend of La Madonna della Neve
According to ancient legend, in the 4th century, a devout Roman couple sought divine guidance on donating their possessions to the Church. In response to their fervent prayers, the Virgin Mary appeared to them in a vision on the night between August 4th and 5th, 358 AD. She revealed that a miraculous event would occur, guiding them to the precise location for the construction of a new church.
That very night, an astonishing snowfall covered a hill in the Esquiline district. Word of this celestial event reached Pope Liberius, who went to the snowy site and traced the outline of the planned church. With the generous contribution of the devoted couple, the church was built, solidifying the legend of the miraculous snowfall.
Though historical evidence supporting the legend is scarce, the event is celebrated annually with unwavering devotion. As the snow gently descends from the sky, Rome relives this extraordinary story, continuing a tradition that has captivated hearts for centuries.
An Enchanting Spectacle Awaits You in Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore
The eagerly awaited 2026 edition of this magical spectacle, supported by the City, the Vatican, and the Ministry of Culture, will take place on Wednesday, August 5th in Piazza di S. Maria Maggiore. This year’s celebration is dedicated to Pope Leo XIV, to the memory of Pope Francis and to the hope for peace in the world.
During the day, the “Miracle of the Snow” is re-enacted inside the basilica with a cascade of white petals falling from above, a symbolic snowfall marking the ancient legend.
The first re-enactment takes place in the morning, during the singing of the Gloria at the 10:00 AM Solemn Mass, presided over by Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Archpriest of the Basilica.
The second is held at 5:00 PM, during the singing of the Magnificat at Vespers, presided over by Archbishop Luis Manuel Alí Herrera.
In the evening, the square comes alive with the spectacular artificial snowfall, accompanied by lights, music and the Carabinieri band. Now in its 42nd edition, the show runs from 9:00 PM to midnight and draws thousands of Romans and visitors every year.
Rome, the Eternal City, is always full of events and activities throughout the year, and April 2026 is no exception. This spring Rome offers a variety of events, from concerts by international and national artists, to traditional holidays, art exhibitions and festivals and more… Whether you are a music or art lover, a foodie, or simply looking for a reason to celebrate, there is something for everyone this April in Rome. In this article we will explore the main events to help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in the city.
National holidays and special days in Rome in April
April 5 | Easter
April is a month full of national holidays and special days in Rome. One of the most important festivities is Easter, which is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring. This means that Easter Sunday will fall on April 5 this year.
On April21 Rome celebrates its annual birthday, known as Natale di Roma. Rome celebrates this year its 2779th birthday with a weekend of art, culture and festivities. The celebrations include cultural events, exhibitions, street performances and concerts – plus, there will be free access to Roma Capitale Museums and other cultural venues.
April 25 | Liberation Day
Another important April holiday is Liberation Day, which falls on April 25 and marks the end of the Italian occupation during World War II. The city celebrates this day with parades and other festivities, including shows and fireworks. Being a national holiday, schools, banks and shops are closed.
Exhibitions this April in Rome
This April, Rome offers an outstanding range of exhibitions spanning ancient civilizations, Impressionism, Baroque art, photography, and contemporary masters. At the Scuderie del Quirinale, Treasures of the Pharaohs continues to shine and has been extended through June 14, 2026, while the Ara Pacis hosts Impressionism and Beyond, on view through May 3, 2026.
Among the season’s highlights, Palazzo Barberini presents Bernini and the Barberinis through June 14, 2026, while Palazzo Bonaparte welcomes Hokusai, opening at the end of March and running through June 29, 2026. The Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation also continues VENUS, adding a fashion-focused note to the city’s spring cultural calendar.
Live music concerts are happening all around Rome, featuring diverse genres of music and singers from several nationalities, with performances taking place in a variety of venues throughout the city.
During Holy Week 2026, Rome’s main religious celebrations in April will take place between St Peter’s Basilica, St Peter’s Square, the Basilica of St John Lateran, and the Colosseum. Highlights include the Chrism Mass at St Peter’s Basilica and the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Basilica of St John Lateran on Holy Thursday, the Celebration of the Passion of the Lord at St Peter’s Basilica and the Via Crucis at the Colosseum on Good Friday, the Easter Vigil at St Peter’s Basilica on Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday Mass followed by the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing in St Peter’s Square. All major celebrations will be presided over by Pope Leo XIV.
From April 4 to 6, Rome’s Botanical Garden hosts “Hanami all’Orto Botanico”, a special event celebrating the beauty of cherry blossom season. This springtime festival invites visitors to discover the meaning of Hanami, the Japanese tradition of admiring blossoms and reflecting on the fleeting nature of beauty. Set among the cherry trees of the Japanese Garden, the event features activities inspired by Japanese culture, including ikebana demonstrations, manga lessons, literary walks, ritual moments, and guided visits to the garden.
This 5-day event showcases the best of contemporary French cinema and features talks with directors and guest actors. It will take place at Cinema Nuovo Sacher, where the festival’s films and special guests will be welcomed. Starting in the capital, the festival will then travel to Bologna, Florence, Milan, Naples, Palermo, and Turin with special sections and guest appearances.
Opening the sixteenth edition will be The Richest Woman in the World | La Femme la plus riche du monde by Thierry Klifa, presented in the presence of the director and lead actress Isabelle Huppert, an absolute icon of international cinema.
From April 7 to 15, Cinema Farnese in Rome will host the 23rd edition of the Asian Film Festival, a long-standing event that for over twenty years has brought the best of Far Eastern cinema to the capital, establishing itself as a key reference point in Italy for contemporary Asian film.
The 2026 edition will present 36 feature films — 18 in competition, 9 in the Newcomers section, and 9 out of competition — as well as 10 short films, offering a cinematic journey across Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
Romics is the major international exhibition on comics, animation, cinema, and games, organized by Fiera di Roma. It’s four days of non-stop celebration with events, meetings, and shows. Serving as a crucial meeting point for industry professionals and the public, it provides an opportunity to assess the state of Italian and international comics, while also showcasing highlights from cinema and shows.
On April 9, 2026, the PalaTiziano in Piazza Apollodoro will host the Harlem Globetrotters, stars of one of the most iconic and anticipated basketball shows in the world. As part of their 100Years World Tour, the Globetrotters will perform incredible tricks, spectacular dunks, and pure entertainment.
10 – 12 April | Festival del Verde e del Paesaggio
The Festival of Green and Landscape takes place at the Auditorium in Rome, where for three days the rooftop garden becomes a space to explore new ways of experiencing nature in the city. Through guided tours, talks, gardens, plants, food, and design, the festival invites visitors to reflect on biophilia and on the relationship between people, spaces, and the natural world. Rather than presenting an abstract idea of sustainability, the event offers a more practical vision of landscape, showing different ways of living more consciously and closely connected to the environment.
On April 11 and 12, Unique Mkt returns to animate the spaces of Industrie Fluviali, in the heart of Rome’s Ostiense district. For one full weekend, the former factory with its industrial charm transforms into a vibrant hub of contemporary creativity, where aesthetic research, craftsmanship, and a culture of beauty come together across three levels filled with atmosphere, from indoor rooms to bright terraces.
With more than 50 exhibitors from across Italy, the market offers a curated and varied route designed for those who love discovering independent brands, artisanal production, and high-quality creative work.
24-25-26 April e 1-2-3 May | Festival dell’Oriente
The Festival dell’Oriente returns to Rome with a rich program celebrating the traditions and cultures of Asia. Throughout the event, the stages host dozens of live performances running continuously from opening to closing, featuring artists from Japan, India, Vietnam, the Philippines, Korea, Tibet, Thailand, Mongolia, China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and many other countries. From traditional dances and music to colorful costumes and performing arts, the festival offers an immersive journey through the diverse cultures of the East.
Scopri il nuovo Paparazzo Bar & Rooftop presso il Le Meridien Visconti nel quartiere Prati di Roma, che ci riporta agli anni 60 romani e, allo stesso tempo, ci proietta nel futuro.
Is April a good time to visit Rome? Check out our tips for visiting Rome in spring to know about the weather, what to wear and the best events in Rome in April.
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