Happy New Year! and other Rome, Italy Local Custom Tips

Spending the new year in Rome is quite funny, especially if you stay sobber to watch the silly things people do around you :-)

I spent the midnight at home, because it can be an adventure to get to the city centre by car when there are thousands of people in the streets. Via dei Fori Imperiali, all the way down to the Colloseum, was packed with people watching the italian (roman) singer Giorgia's concert.

There are fireworks all over the city, so you don't need to go to the centre if you don't like crowds. Of course, watching fireworks with the Colosseum in the background must be great - maybe I'll try it next year!

Anyway, take your bottle of champagne and come out to the street to celebrate! Italians are very efusive and outgoing people, so be prepared to answer when they wish you 'auguri'!

Ah, I didn't see that street the next day, but I hope someone cleaned all that mess...

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You can't go to Rome and not see the Pope, at least that's what they say here in Portugal!

The first time I went to Rome, it was August and the Pope had left to his summer residence, in Castel Gandolfo, so I didn't get the chance to see him.

Even though I'm not a very religious person, being at Saint Peter's square and entering the basilica does make me feel something. And so did seeing the Pope at the sunday Angelus, and all the people gathered in the square.

It happens at noon, every Sunday (except when he is in Castel Gandolfo) and there are big screens focusing the tiny window where he stands. Don't get there too late, though - it lasts only about 10 minutes.

The other possibility, which I didn't have time to do yet, is to attend the mess during the week - but you need to get the tickets before.

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