Saint Peter and Paul, the feast day when Rome stops

For the Romans it is a moment to celebrate, because it celebrates the two patron saints of the city, Saint Peter and Saint Paul. But what can you do on this day?

A moment to celebrate

June 29th is a truly special day for the Romans, because it celebrates their most beloved saints, namely Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

They are the protectors of the city, so all of Rome stops when they are celebrated. People don’t go to work and everything is closed, except for some bars and restaurants, which remain open to allow everyone to celebrate the moment.

Two beloved Saints

Unlike many other cities in Italy, which generally only have one patron saint, Rome has two, namely Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

Clearly there is a reason why the two Saints are celebrated together on the same day. According to tradition, Saint Peter and Saint Paul were in Rome at the same time and consequently were able to meet and preach the Gospel together. Both were then killed in Rome, Saint Peter by crucifixion, Saint Paul by beheading.

Many opportunities to make the day special

On the occasion of the day of Saints Peter and Paul, Rome therefore stops to celebrate them.

With the occasion and the fact that this moment of celebration falls in the heart of the Roman summer, there are many things that can be done to celebrate it. Between concerts, events in the squares and festivals there is everything.

At Rock in Roma, for example, they celebrate the city’s patron saints, with Calcutta, whose concert falls on June 29. In Fiumicino, on the other hand, the moment is celebrated with the foodstock festival, the food event that fills the entire city with food and trucks.

In San Cosimato, Cervelletta and on Monte Cocci the day is celebrated with cinema in the square, with the broadcast of the films “Legality, work and social justice: testimonies” and “Scusa Italia”. In short, there are really many opportunities to make the day special.