Primo Maggio
So I don’t know if many of you know this but tomorrow is the first of May and that means it is International Worker’s Day and if you are in Rome that means you have a pretty awesome party to attend! In honor of International Worker’s Day every year Rome throws a huge concert on the “lawn” of San Giovanni in Laterano (the most important Catholic Church in the whole world). This concert is so huge that major Italian artists come and perform and they close off the streets for BLOCKS! They have food and souvenir vendors set up all over and its basically a giant party. I would highly recommend going. I actually lived just on the other side of San Giovanni when I studied abroad and could see the entire festival, it was pretty amazing. So I would definitely go and check it out if you are in Rome tomorrow, its a national holiday so everything will be closed so you might as well check it out. Also they have a website that has the lineup as well, it is in Italian but it is pretty easy to figure out who is performing. I did not know a single performer the year I went and it was still a ton of fun. http://www.primomaggio.com/
As you can see it is a giant party and definitely an experience you won’t forget, so even if you can’t make it this year try to go at least once if you find yourself in Italy in May.
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Alex and Ashley
Alex and I are foodies and boozies who are excited to travel the world one culture at a time in our upcoming round the world trip. We are setting out on this adventure to showcase all the wonderful people and cultures in the world through our writing, videos and photography. We will be traversing the globe from San Francisco to Iceland to Australia to South America over the next six years. We cannot wait to share our experiences with you.
3 thoughts on “Primo Maggio”
adventurousandrea says: April 30, 2013 at 17:55 Oooo, what a fun experience! Reply inpursuitofadventureblog says: May 5, 2013 at 20:24 Ya it was amazing, I was sad that I wasn’t able to go my last few years in Rome because of work. But it is definitely an experience! Reply
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{"html": "Why the First of May Matters
International Worker’s Day, or Labour Day as it is known in many places, grew out of the labor movement's long fight for fair working conditions and the eight-hour day. In Italy it is called la Festa dei Lavoratori, and it is taken very seriously. Banks, offices, most shops and a good number of restaurants close for the day, and the whole country settles into a relaxed, celebratory mood. For a lot of Italians it is also the unofficial start of the warm-weather season, which is a big part of why the atmosphere feels so festive.
Rome has turned the holiday into something much bigger than a day off. The concert is free to attend, which is part of its charm, and it has become a tradition that families, students, old friends and total strangers all share. It is less a formal event than a gathering of the city, and that is exactly what makes it so memorable.
How the Day Unfolds
The concert is a long one. It starts in the afternoon and carries on late into the evening, with act after act taking the stage. The lineup is a mix of established names and newer bands, with a lot of Italian rock, pop, folk and hip-hop. You do not need to know anyone on the bill. Half the fun is discovering a singer you have never heard of and then watching tens of thousands of people sing every word back to them.
Around the stage the crowd settles in for the long haul. People spread out on the grass, share bottles of wine, pass around snacks and wander between friends. The side streets fill with stalls selling street food, drinks, T-shirts, flags and trinkets, so you can graze your way through the afternoon without ever leaving the party. For two foodies, that alone is reason enough to go.
Because everything is on a giant scale, it also helps to remember a few things:
- It gets crowded. Arrive early if you want a spot near the stage, or stay toward the back if you prefer room to move.
- It is a long day. Plan to come and go, grab something to eat and take breaks in the shade.
- The streets close. With roads shut for blocks, expect to walk a fair distance from wherever you are staying.
Getting There and Getting Around
San Giovanni in Laterano is easy to find, since the basilica is hard to miss, and the area is well connected to the rest of Rome by metro and bus. That said, a national holiday means reduced services and big crowds, so check the schedule ahead of time and do not count on things running as usual. Walking is often the simplest option, and on a spring afternoon in Rome it is hardly a hardship.
Because so much is closed on the holiday, it is smart to sort out meals and basics the day before. Many of the usual spots will have their shutters down, which makes the concert's food stalls even more welcome. Keep your belongings close in the crowd, as you would at any large gathering, and bring a bit of cash for the vendors.
Tips for Making the Most of It
My best advice is simply to go with an open mind. Do not worry about the language barrier or the unfamiliar lineup. The website is in Italian, but as I said, it is easy enough to work out who is playing, and the music speaks for itself. Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen and a water bottle, and be ready to stand for hours.
If you can, find a spot where you can take in both the music and the setting. The sight of an enormous crowd gathered in front of one of the most historic churches in the world, with the sound of a rock band bouncing off ancient walls, is something that really stays with you. It is a very Roman mix of old and new, solemn and silly, and it is one of the things I miss most about living there.
If you are planning a trip and want some reading to get you in the mood, take a look at Our Top 10 Travel Books that Evoke a Country for a few ideas on how to fall for a place before you even arrive.
"}