Romadiffusa Esquilino Festival

On Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October, the Esquilino district hosts the fifth edition of Romadiffusa, the itinerant multidisciplinary festival that, through a wide-ranging programme of art, music, performances and talks, brings the neighbourhood’s historic heritage into dialogue with its cultural, social and commercial communities.

For the 2026 edition, Piazza Vittorio will be one of the festival’s main hubs, hosting a programme of music, talks, sport and performances. The programme extends across the Esquilino, with grocery shops, bookshops, bars and restaurants welcoming artworks, installations, readings and live performances. Meanwhile, the Nuovo Mercato Esquilino becomes a space for contemporary art, featuring works by, among others, H. H. Lim, Lulù Nuti, Fiamma Montezemolo, Andreco, Caterina Silva, Giacomo Spinelli, Massimo Livadiotti, and Wu Ming 2 and Lorenzo Teodonio. Artists and galleries will also exceptionally open their studios and private spaces to the public.

The festival also involves some of the district’s leading cultural institutions, including Palazzo Merulana, Accademia Costume & Moda, Acquario Romano and the Garden of Confucius, with a programme of performances, exhibitions, video projections, workshops and talks.

Founded in 2021 by Sara D’Agati and Maddalena Salerno, Romadiffusa has developed an ongoing mapping of the city, seeking out places and communities that embody Rome’s most authentic and contemporary character. Its motto, “Roma Città Eterna Odierna” (“Rome: Eternal City, Contemporary City”), offers a vision of the capital that goes beyond its monumental identity to highlight a contemporary, multicultural and constantly evolving city.

On 10 and 11 October, from 10 am to 11 am, the Horti Magici in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II will serve as the starting point for Unexpected Itineraries – Racconti di botanica e biodiversità ai Giardini Calipari (Unexpected Itineraries – Stories of Botany and Biodiversity at the Calipari Gardens).

The itinerary explores trees, nature and botanical rarities in the green heart of Esquilino, offering an opportunity to discover the area’s tree heritage through anecdotes, curiosities and stories. From historic palm trees to the exotic and native species that characterise the square, the itinerary invites visitors to experience Rome’s urban landscape from a different perspective, with a focus on biodiversity, ecology and sustainability.

Admission is free, with limited places and booking required by calling 060608 by 1 pm on Friday 9 October.

Discover the full programme.

The programme may be subject to change.