Birth of Rome, Rome, Italy(21 Apr 2010)

Not every city celebrates its birthday but Rome does – on 21 April each year. It was Romulus, suckled by a she-wolf as an infant, who went on to found the city in 753BC. Romans today celebrate the event with candles, planted all over the Aventine Hill. In the evening, a spectacular firework display flashes and bangs over the River Tiber. Local history societies and clubs stage their own events and celebrations, and there are many official public addresses, proclamations and parades. Rome’s monuments, archaeological sites and many museums allow free entry on the day.