The 2024 edition of the Rome parade and the concerts held in the churches of Rome and Frascati registered a record number of attendances and public acclaim as never before!
More than twenty thousand people invaded the historic centre of Rome to celebrate the first of the year together with the bands. A huge event that once again saw young musicians from the most prestigious high schools in the United States parading together with folk groups, street artists and majorettes from different parts of Italy! Three hours of pure fun for all, starting from Villa Borghese and crossing the entire Roman Trident with a grand finale at sunset in Piazza del Popolo.
The festive concerts, scheduled in the most prestigious basilicas of the capital, were also very well attended, with both local and international audiences reminiscing. This year in Rome, the following churches were involved: St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, the Basilica of San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini, the Church of Santa Maria in Portico Campitelli, the Basilica of Sant’Andrea della Valle, and the Basilica of Santa Maria in Montesanto. A varied out-of-town programme was also organised in the churchyard of Frascati Cathedral for the last two days of the year.
It was an extraordinary opportunity for educators and their students to have a unique experience in Italy and for the invited audience to get to know the repertoires and talents of hundreds of young musicians at first hand.
“We are very excited to see our events grow every year,” said the organiser, Lizzie Bone, “with an exponential increase in both participants and audience! The intention is for participants to spend hours of joy and positivity during the festive season, sharing many exciting moments. All of this is made possible on a practical level by the Municipality of Rome and the Municipality of Frascati, which have welcomed our proposal by hosting our initiative for years. A heartfelt thank you, therefore, to all the institutions and staff of volunteers, technicians, security and civil protection operators who have accompanied us on this unforgettable adventure!”
The best moments of the parade and associated concerts are now available on our website and YouTube channel. Don’t miss them!