There’s never a dull moment in the Eternal City, but Rome in May truly shines. With its perfect spring weather, blooming gardens, and festive atmosphere, the city becomes a living stage for an extraordinary variety of events
Rome May 2025 is set to be a particularly exciting time. As the city embraces the heart of the Jubilee Year, visitors can expect spiritual celebrations of immense significance alongside world-class cultural experiences.
Planning a trip during this vibrant month allows you to witness the city at its most dynamic. Add these unforgettable events to your calendar, and let your Roman holiday be enriched by the unique energy and elegance that only May in Rome can offer.
Most religious events in Rome in May 2025
One of the defining features of Rome in May 2025 is the city’s central role in the Jubilee Year, a time of spiritual renewal and celebration for Catholics around the world. This extraordinary Holy Year, held once every 25 years, brings pilgrims from across the globe to Rome for prayer, forgiveness, and connection with the Church’s most sacred traditions.
If you’re wondering what exactly a Jubilee is, it’s a special year called by the Pope to encourage spiritual growth and pilgrimage. You can learn more about its origins and meaning in our guide to the Jubilee Year.
This May, the Jubilee calendar is packed with dedicated events honoring different sectors of society. Here are the major religious celebrations not to miss:
Jubilee of Worker (May 1-4, 2025)
Held to coincide with International Workers’ Day, this event honors laborers and the dignity of work. Pilgrims will gather at iconic sites like St. Peter’s Basilica and St. John Lateran for Masses, reflections, and community events celebrating the social role of workers.
Best places to experience it:
- Attend an open-air Mass in St. Peter’s Square
- Walk the Holy Door pilgrimage route, opened specially for the Jubilee
- Visit the Vatican Museums and Vatican Gardens, which often extend hours during Jubilee events
Jubilee of Entrepreneurs (May, 4-5 2025)
Aimed at business owners and professionals, this Jubilee celebration brings a more contemporary focus to the Holy Year. Discussions around ethical business practices, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility take center stage.
Expect an influx of professionals and entrepreneurs in Rome, along with forums and networking events. If you’re visiting for business or attending a conference, this is a powerful time to connect spiritual values with professional life.
Jubilee of Bands and Folk Music (May 10–11, 2025)
A colorful and lively celebration, this event fills Rome’s piazzas and streets with music, dancing, and joyful parades. Traditional bands and folk groups from across Italy and beyond perform in a spirit of celebration and unity.
Best places to attend:
- Piazza Navona and Piazza del Popolo for open-air concerts
- Via della Conciliazione, leading up to the Vatican, often hosts parades
- Local churches may host traditional musical liturgies
Jubilee of Eastern Churches (May 12–14, 2025)
This special event highlights the diversity and richness of the Eastern Christian rites, including Byzantine, Maronite, and Armenian traditions. Expect unique liturgies, processions, and sacred music, offering a rare window into centuries-old spiritual practices.
Must-see moments:
- Liturgical services at Santa Maria Maggiore
- Cultural events and theological discussions hosted in major basilicas
- Choir performances representing Eastern traditions
Jubilee of Confraternities (May 16–18, 2025)
Confraternities — lay brotherhoods that have existed for centuries in Catholic Europe — play a vital role in Rome’s religious life. This celebration features solemn processions in full ceremonial dress, carrying ancient relics and sacred symbols through the historic center.
Best viewing spots:
- Along the Via della Conciliazione
- Around the Pantheon and Campo de’ Fiori, where many processions pass
- Inside churches like San Giovanni dei Fiorentini, home to many Roman confraternities
Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly (May 30–June 1, 2025)
Culminating the month of May, this Jubilee is a heartfelt celebration of family life and intergenerational unity. Special Masses, workshops, and cultural events take place across the city, focusing on connection, support, and joy.
Family-friendly highlights:
- Activities and Masses in St. Peter’s Square
- Storytelling events and play areas in Villa Borghese
- Interactive museum visits, like Explora – Il Museo dei Bambini di Roma
- Group blessings for grandparents and family units
Must-See Art Exhibitions in Rome in May 2025
May 2025 is a remarkable month for art enthusiasts visiting Rome. The city’s vibrant cultural scene is enriched with exceptional exhibitions, offering a unique blend of historical masterpieces and intimate photographic insights. Here’s a curated selection of exhibitions that art lovers should not miss
Picasso: The Foreigner
Dates: February 27 – June 29, 2025
Location: Museo del Corso at Palazzo Cipolla, Via del Corso, 320
This exhibition delves into Pablo Picasso’s identity as an outsider in France, showcasing over 100 works, including paintings, drawings, ceramics, and personal documents. A highlight is the section dedicated to Picasso’s 1917 Roman period, offering insights into his collaborations with Jean Cocteau and Sergei Diaghilev. To avoid crowds, consider visiting on weekday mornings.
Caravaggio 2025
Dates: March 7 – July 6, 2025
Location: Palazzo Barberini, Via delle Quattro Fontane, 13
This unprecedented exhibition brings together 24 of Caravaggio’s masterpieces, some on display in Rome for the first time in centuries. Notable works include “Ecce Homo,” rediscovered in Spain in 2021, and “Self-Portrait as Bacchus.” To enhance your experience, consider booking a private guided tour, which often includes skip-the-line access and in-depth commentary.
Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray
Dates: March 15 – July 20, 2025
Location: Museo Storico della Fanteria, Piazza di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, 9
This intimate exhibition offers a glimpse into Frida Kahlo’s life through the photographs of Nickolas Muray, her close friend and lover. Alongside the photographs, visitors can view Kahlo’s paintings, personal letters, and reconstructed dresses, providing a comprehensive look at her artistic journey. The exhibition is open daily, with extended hours on weekends.
Other Major Events in May 2025
The Giro d’Italia, Italy’s most prestigious cycling race, concludes its 108th edition in Rome on Sunday, June 1, 2025. This final stage offers a spectacular celebration of sport, history, and pageantry in the heart of the Eternal City.
The 2025 Giro covers 3,413 km over 21 stages, beginning on May 9 in Durrës, Albania, and finishing in Rome. The final stage is a 141 km flat route designed for sprinters, featuring a scenic circuit through Rome’s historic center. The stage includes 10 laps of an 11.5 km circuit passing iconic landmarks such as the Altare della Patria, Capitoline Hill, Circus Maximus, and finishing at the Imperial Forums near the Colosseum.
- Via dei Fori Imperiali, offers a grandstand view of the finish line with the Colosseum as a backdrop.
- Piazza Venezia: Near the Altare della Patria, providing a central location to witness the peloton.
- Circus Maximus: A spacious area ideal for families and groups to enjoy the race atmosphere.
Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or a casual spectator, the Giro’s finale in Rome is a must-see event that combines athletic excellence with the city’s timeless beauty.
Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Rome in May 2025
Visiting Rome in May means immersing yourself in a city alive with celebration, culture, and history. With the Jubilee Year events, international exhibitions, and major sporting competitions filling the calendar, smart planning is key to making the most of your stay. To stay close to the action, consider booking accommodation in these well-connected neighborhoods:
- Centro Storico: The heart of historic Rome, walking distance to major sites like the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain.
- Prati: Ideal for Vatican events, this elegant area is also home to great restaurants and boutiques.
- Monti: Just steps from the Colosseum and Roman Forum, with a charming village vibe and easy metro access.
- Trastevere: For a more local and lively atmosphere, this bohemian quarter offers picturesque streets and great nightlife.
Please, note to book early: Rome May is a peak time, especially in 2025 with Jubilee-related pilgrimages drawing millions of visitors, and remember that Rome’s public transport network is efficient but busy in May. Here’s how to move around easily:
- Metro lines A and B connect you to Vatican City, Termini Station, and the Colosseum.
- Bus routes 40, 64, and 81 are useful for reaching central attractions, though they can be crowded during peak hours.
- Walking is often the best way to explore — many event venues and exhibitions are within a 20-minute radius on foot.
- Taxis and rideshares: Opt for official white taxis or use apps like Free Now. Avoid unlicensed cars at tourist spots.
To avoid crowds, visit museums and exhibitions early in the morning or during weekday afternoons. Churches and basilicas are generally quieter in the late afternoon. To book tickets for exhibitions, museums, or events, it is recommended to use official channels or reputable tour operators such as Walks Inside Rome.
Explore More with Walks Inside Rome
Want to go beyond the surface and discover the soul of the Eternal City? Walks Inside Rome offers expert-led tours designed to bring the city’s cultural, historical, and religious treasures to life. With small group and private options available, our licensed guides deliver unforgettable experiences tailored to your interests.
Whether you’re here to explore the Vatican Museums, follow in Caravaggio’s footsteps, or uncover hidden gems most tourists miss, we’re here to enrich your Roman holiday.
Plan ahead and book a guided tour for a deeper, more personal connection to Rome’s wonders — especially during this once-in-a-generation Jubilee Year.
