What is going on in Rome June 29, 2002?
 

I keep finding that things will be closed on June 29 - is this a holiday? Thought it would be easy to find an "events" website, but not having any luck. Can anyone help?

Yes, it is a big holiday. My birthday and I will be there.

Mark<BR><BR>I just happened to see this yesterday. I was reading "Fodor's Around Rome With Kids". It state that all Rome closes down for St. Reter and St. Paul Day on June 29. <BR><BR>Kat

On June 29 there's the most solemn of the religious festivals in Rome (service in St. Peter's basilica). One celebrates Saints Peter and Paul (patron saint of Rome)

Mark: Your question has been well answered, but a site you might find helpful is: SeekItaly.com <BR><BR>It has listings of events, exhibits, strikes, etc.

we were there last yr of the Peter/Paul Saint day.<BR>It is quieter than usual.<BR>A good many stores are closed,<BR>but one can find the necessities <BR>Just don't plan to do your major shopping that day.<BR><BR>BTW,<BR>happy B-day, Bb!

Is this an official -whatever that means in Italy - holiday or what? What kind of events will be going on for this celebration?

Thanks everybody! Happy Birthday Bb, and thanks Giovanna, good site.

June 29th is not a national holiday in Italy. There are many cities though, which have Peter and Paul as patron saints. In these cities Junt 29th is a holiday.<BR><BR>June 29th appears to be a celebration day since the very old times. Pagan Rome used to celebrate Romolo and Remo, the city founders. The christians started celebrating in the year 258 AC. It's interesting to note that among all days of the year, they chose June 29th: Romolo and Remo were founders of pagan Rome as Peter and Paul were founders of christian Rome.<BR><BR>Most of the action is in St. Peter's basilica, where solemn rites are held with presence of the Pope (though I'd guess that this year his presence, if at all, should be minimized because of his health). <BR><BR>There's also the Tevere Expo, a national fair of the Italian regions, along the Tibre banks, with musical shows, folcloric dances, typical products, etc. This fair used to extend till the 3rd week of July (I went twice in the past; once it was outstanding; the next time it was simply dreadful ...)<BR> <BR>There's also the "Mostra delle Rose", a grand exposition of hundreds of varieties of roses (Via di Valle Murcia 6 - 8:00am to 8:30m)<BR>