Rome New Year's Parade

For More Information

Web: RomeNewYearsParade.com

Email: Patricia Mack

Mail: Gateway Music Festivals & Tours, Inc.
PO Box 1165
Monticello, MN 55362 USA

Phone: 1-800-331-8579

If you are interested in entering your band in a future Rome New Year's Parade, please request an information packet!

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On January 1 each year, tens of thousands gather in St. Peter's Square, filling the streets with pageantry and music, to celebrate and receive the Pope's New Year's Day blessing. A focal point of Rome's holiday season and the Pope's Worldwide Day of Peace, the Rome New Year's Parade celebrates life, cultural diversity and international good-will.

The Rome New Year's Parade proceeds along the grand Via della Conciliazione and culminates in St. Peter's Square. In keeping with the Italian tradition, enthusiastic spectators fall into step alongside the bands, showing their appreciation with whistles and waves.

In 2007, over 10,000 people processed to St. Peter's Square before the Pope's annual New Year's address and blessing. Participants include military, civic and school marching bands, auxiliary units and members of the international Comunita di Sant' Egidio.

The parade organizers include Gateway Music Festivals and Tours, who extend invitations to select American and Canadian bands. With over twenty years of experience organizing parades and music tours around the world, Gateway is honored to represent this remarkable event.

"Even after numerous appearances in the Tournament of Roses Parade, London New Year's Parade, Macy's Parade, Dublin St. Patrick's Parade, Fiesta Bowl Parade, the Rome New Year's Parade ranks as one of the greatest trips we have ever taken."
Paul Parets, Director of Bands
Alexis I. duPont High School, Wilmington, DE

"I have been traveling with bands for 20+ years. The Rome New Year's Parade was one of the highlights of my career. My students are in awe of the experience. I can't say enough good things. Thank you!"
Michael Aycock, Director of Bands
Spain Park High School, Hoover, AL

"This trip to Italy was a huge success and was more than I expected. Every aspect was spectacular, I rate this tour a perfect 10 out of 10!"
Robert Owens, Director of Bands
East Coweta High School, Sharpsburg, GA

"This was indeed "experiences of a lifetime" for our students and directors. I highly encourage bands to travel to Italy to experience the warmth of the Italian people. Every aspect of this trip was remarkable — we are returning in January 2009!
Dr. Neal Schnoor, Director of Marching Band
University of Nebraska Kearney
2006 Rome New Year's Parade participants

As of January 2008
Lincoln Way Central High School, New Lenox, IL
University of Nebraska Kearney "Pride of the Plains" Marching Band

A band's visit to Italy for the Rome New Year's Parade provides additional opportunities for performances and educational tours. Highlights of the itinerary could include:
• Florence
• Tuscany: Siena & Pisa
• Rome
• Vatican City & St. Peter's Basilica
• Venice & Verona

Thursday, January 1, 2009
Friday, January 1, 2010
Saturday, January 1, 2011

Web: RomeNewYearsParade.com

Email: Patricia Mack
Mail: Gateway Music Festivals & Tours, Inc., PO Box 1165, Monticello, MN 55362 USA
Phone: 1-800-331-8579

If you are interested in entering your band in a future Rome New Year's Parade, please request an information packet!