This Thursday, head to Rome for its 2775th birthday

The Eternal City will host a four-day, event-filled party

It all, supposedly, started with the Romulus and Remus twins who settled on two hills and founded the first settlement of what then became Rome. In Italy this is known as the Natale di Roma (or the “birth of Rome”) and this year marks its 2775^th anniversary.

21 April is the official date. This is when a great party for the city and for all citizens and guests of the Italian capital will give them the chance to celebrate. There is a broad calendar of guided tours, educational events, inaugurations, exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances and film screenings.

What would Rome be without some Roman re-enactments?

Given its status as the capital of the Ancient Roman Empire, the city will draw and promote that heritage as should be expected.

For more than two decades an historical dramatic society called the Gruppo Storico Romano has brought history to life by re-enacting battles, events and displays of ancient theatre and dance in Rome. That group has actually prepared a four-day long programme (21-24 April), which will seek to demonstrate and show the various aspects of ancient Roman life.

Most of their performances will take place at the Circus Maximus where visitors can enjoy the shows for free. The same goes for access to all the city’s museums on 21 April.

There will be the chance to witness the agricultural Palilia ceremony, for example, held in honour of the goddess Pales, protector of flocks and herds. This tradition involved Vestal Virgins distributing straw and the ashes and blood of sacrificed animals before jumping over a bonfire three times.

Friday is devoted to a day-long programme of workshops focusing on ancient Roman life, examining various aspects including school, clothes, medicine and religion. Gladiators will be on hand to display their weapons and combat techniques, and the day ends with a concert of ancient Roman music.

Saturday morning will see more workshops while in the afternoon the Circus Maximus will host a match of Harpastum, an ancient ball game imported to Rome from Greece, described by organisers as the "ancestor of rugby". This is followed by the crowing of the Dea Roma, or Goddess of Rome, and then the ever-popular gladiator show in the late afternoon.

The highlight of the Natale di Roma celebrations - the grand parade - takes place on Sunday at 10:30. This impressive spectacle has in the past seen around 1,500 costumed participants march from and to the Circus Maximus, passing through the Colosseum.