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Held in front of the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano (see San Giovanni in Laterano and Scala Santa), this is a vast, free event, boasting a line-up of top Italian popstars and the occasional international luminary. It’s in celebration of socialist Italy’s “Day of the Worker”, when just about everything shuts down.

Rose petals shower down through the Pantheon’s oculus (see Oculus) followed by pageantry.

A fast-growing performing arts festival with a pronounced emphasis on the provocative, held every autumn in various superlative venues, including the French Academy, Palazzo Farnese and the Spanish Academy. All kinds of music, dance and theatre, including several international artists.

Every 21 April there’s a gala civic observance in the Piazza del Campidoglio, celebrating Rome’s traditional founding in 753 BC (see Romulus and Remus). Music, fireworks and a speech by the mayor mark the event, but the best news is that the Musei Capitolini are free of charge and open until 10pm.

Orchestral and choral concerts in Trinita dei Monti and a mass of azaleas take over this popular gathering place. End of March.

Not only does the Rome Opera Company offer its usual summer programme in the Baths of Caracalla, but there are also a number of other opera programmes all over the city, with singers from around the globe.

This well-run multi-event happens all summer long in a purpose-built area near an old slaughterhouse. Every evening there’s live music until midnight, followed by several discos, each featuring a different type of music, and lots of food choices. There’s a new decor theme every year, often quite elaborate.

A magnificent setting among dramatically lit umbrella pines, where you can enjoy gourmet cuisine and jazz every night all summer long. Make sure you take insect repellent.

Latin music and, recently, world music, jazz, rock and pop, too, every night throughout the summer, including a few big international names. Held on the vast grounds of a racetrack, converted into dance floors, shops and restaurants.

The noontime Christmas Day blessing by the pope from St Peter’s balcony.