Tevere Day: The River Takes Center Stage Until October 11th

Tevere Day began to re-establish the Tiber River's central role in Rome. It has grown into a popular movement uniting over 200 associations, organizations, federations, and companies. For seven years, this project has strived to make the river more accessible, utilized, and recognized as a natural infrastructure, public space, cultural hub, and engine for urban regeneration.

The presentation conference included Svetlana Celli, President of the Roman Capitol Assembly, and Alberto Acciari, President of the Tevere Day APS Association. Speakers also included Sabrina Alfonsi, Councillor for Agriculture, Environment, and Waste Management of Rome Capital, and Fabrizio Ghera, Councillor for Mobility, Transport, Land Protection, Waste Management, State Property, and Heritage of the Lazio Region.

Alberto Acciari, President of Tevere Day APS, stated, "Tevere Day emerged from a popular initiative, the strength of associations, and active citizenship mobilising from the ground up to reintegrate the river into Rome's daily life. This driving force has yielded significant results over the years, including the recognition of the central Tiber stretch as a UNESCO heritage site. Today, we aim to add another layer to this repositioning by proposing the establishment of a Tiber River Day, celebrated on October 10th this year, and urging institutions to make this initiative official. We will keep people and their connection to the river at the forefront, as has always been the Tevere Day's focus: Roman citizens and tourists will be invited to participate in events and, on that occasion, to offer a flower to the river from the city's pedestrian bridges as a gesture of affection and gratitude for this public asset."

Sabrina Alfonsi, Councillor for Agriculture, Environment, and Waste Management of Rome Capital, added, "The Tiber is a natural and identity heritage for Rome, which we, as the Capitol administration, have chosen to place at the core of our environmental policies. We have created six riverside parks, naturalising the riverbanks. These areas now serve as spaces for biodiversity development and conservation, rich with the trees we have planted. Beyond the banks, we are moving towards water quality improvement with the goal of making it swimmable. We believe a river that is lived in and cared for can become a valuable green infrastructure, an environmental safeguard, and a public space for the entire city community. Tevere Day beautifully demonstrates how institutions, associations, and citizens can collaborate to restore the river to its authentic splendor."

Fabrizio Ghera, Councillor for Mobility, Transport, Land Protection, Waste Management, State Property, and Heritage of the Lazio Region, commented, "The centrality of the Tiber is a priority for the Lazio Region, which has undertaken several initiatives to enhance and facilitate access to the river in recent years. Events like Tevere Day, supported by the Lazio Region, are crucial for bringing the river closer to citizens. We are working to expand the availability of spaces for recreational and sports activities."

Simona Baldassarre, Councillor for Culture, Equal Opportunities, Youth and Family Policies, and Civil Service of the Lazio Region, also offered her greetings.

A Widespread Event: From the River to the City

The 2026 edition blends riverside and water-based initiatives with a sports and cultural program spanning riverside parks, iconic locations like Tiber Island, bookstores, libraries, museums, and other city venues. The schedule combines major collective events with activities proposed by local entities, including walks, tours, workshops, talks, sports demonstrations, navigation experiences, and local clean-up actions.

Vogalonga Tiberina and Rome-Ostia Cycle Ride

On October 10th, at 10 AM, the Vogalonga Tiberina will depart from the new Tiberis Riverside Park at Ponte Marconi. This historic regatta, spanning over thirty years, connects Rome with its ancient port. Approximately 100 boats—including canoes, rowing boats, dragon boats, and kayaks—and around 250 participants will head to the Ostia Hydrodrome at the Canados Shipyard. The event's godmother will be Caterina Banti, a two-time Olympic sailing champion, while Roberto Ciufoli will serve as the event's Ambassador, accompanying the presentation of departures and narrating the course alongside Valeria Altobelli.

The "Le Ninfe del Fiume" will animate the start with Roman music and folk songs. Joining the regatta will be the Rome-Ostia Cycle Ride, organised with Sentiero Pasolini, also departing at 10:00 AM from Parco Tiberis, and a Tiber River cruise for accompanying guests, with a shared arrival in Ostia.

Rome Celebrates the First Tiber River Day

The symbolic heart of the eighth edition of Tevere Day will be Saturday, October 10th, marking the first Tiber River Day. This initiative, proposed by the Tevere Day APS Association, seeks to permanently establish the second Saturday of October in the city's calendar of observances. The day is designed to strengthen the bond between Rome and its river, providing a public expression of gratitude, care, and belonging. From 11 AM to 1 PM, thousands of flowers will be distributed to citizens on six involved pedestrian bridges—Ponte Milvio, Ponte della Musica, Ponte Sant'Angelo, Ponte Sisto, Ponte Fabricio, and Ponte della Scienza—to be released into the current as a collective tribute to the river. The inaugural ceremony is scheduled for 12:30 PM at Ponte Milvio. Street artists on the bridges and Francesca Chialà's performance "Le 7 Arti" at Ponte della Musica will accompany the event.

Environment and Active Citizenship

From October 2nd to 11th, Marevivo's Floating Hub at Scalo de Pinedo will transform into the Terevivo environmental village, a joint initiative by Marevivo and Tevere Day for the environment. It will host a program of events dedicated to art, science, culture, and environmental protection.

Among the numerous planned activities are the Riscarti Festival, the March for the Sea, guided tours and talks on the Tiber, the presentation of the Artists' Manifesto for the Sea, and on October 11th, a twinning ceremony between the Botanical Garden of Rome and the Natural Oasis of Parco d’Affaccio di Lungotevere delle Navi. An open day to visit the Biodiversity Center and a scientific space curated by ISPRA, focused on understanding the river ecosystem, are also scheduled. Participants include Rescue Project, Arca, Artalo, Accademia di Ecologia ed Arte, Acquarellisti Romani, and various partners showcasing recycled art, studies, and botanical tours.

In terms of environmental efforts, the "Noi Siamo Tevere" campaign continues its work. This active citizenship initiative engages volunteers, associations, and neighborhoods throughout the year in caring for the river. This year, it has also involved major consulting firms that have fully recognised the importance of environmental responsibility and have committed to hands-on field actions.

River Culture Flows Beyond Its Banks

The "Parliamo di Tevere" (Let's Talk About the Tiber) series returns with approximately 30 events across bookstores, libraries, and museums, organised in collaboration with the Culture Department of Rome Capital. The first meeting is scheduled for October 5th at 6 PM at Temple University, via di San Sebastianello 3, with the presentation of the book "Roma a porte chiuse." The series will culminate on Sunday, October 11th, from 3 PM to 5 PM in Piazza San Bartolomeo all'Isola, with the "Salotto Parliamo di Tevere" (Tiber Talk Salon): an open dialogue between the public and personalities connected to Rome.