Now, November is not the typical month of the year for trips to Rome but in case you happen to visit the Italian capital at that time of the year, there is still plenty to be seen and enjoyed besides the main historical landmarks, piazzas, fountains and cultural sites. Like every big city, Rome has plenty of attractions and events every month revolving around art, literature, theatre and music. And, if at first one might wonder what is there to be done in Rome in November, there are actually plenty of festivities, celebrations and events to consider.
All Saints’ Day is celebrated at the start of Novmember. Actually, the exact day of celebration is the 1st of November. On that day, Italians tend to remember their loved ones who have died and they visit the cemeteries. It is interesting that on that day you can see many churches open for visiting, which are generally closed during the rest of the year. On that day one can visit all churches in Rome and this even includes the Roman catacombs. On the following day, which is not a public holiday and is known as All Souls Day, Italians still bring flowers to the loved ones they have lost. Another day that is celebrated during the first days of November is Unity Day, which marks Armed Forces Day and the first World War. During that day a ceremony takes place near the Unknown Soldier’s Tomb near Piazza Navona.
Among the festivals that are held in Rome in November are the Rome Jazz Festival. The jazz concerts are usually held at the Auditorium Parco della Musica and last throughout the month. Another event that should not be missed is the Roma Europa Festival, which covers most of November. The programme for this festival includes various concerts, dance and theatre performances et cetera. The performances are held at various sites throughout Rome and these include the Teatro Argentina and Teatro Olimpico, as well as the Concilazione. The motto for this year’s edition of the festival is ‘Try the impossible’. Another day celebrated in the city of Rome in November is the Feast of Saint Cecilia on 22nd November. The feast day of the saint is celebrated at Santa Cecilia in the Trastevere neighbourhood of Rome, and also at the Catacombs of San Callisto.
There are other interesting events in Rome that deserve attention in November. These include the home furniture exhibition at Moa Casa where one can sample the latest trends in furniture design. The exhibition has free entry on week days and a small entry fee on weekends. Another event is the La Soffitta Sotto i Portici bargain market for various items, organised twice a month on Sundays at Piazza Augusto Imperatore. For those who love sports there is the annual football derby between Rome and Lazio, which takes place at Stadio Olimpico.
