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Pulaski Academy
"Gateway was a super music tour planner. Our trip ran smoothly because of your attention to detail and careful planning. Thank you for your hard work. Our students had an excellent trip that they will remember for the rest of their lives!"
Danielle Hodges, Band Director
Arkansas
Featured Destinations
TOURNAMENT OF ROSES
When the invitation arrives, make Gateway YOUR second call!
We're ready to help make the most of your trip to the Rose Bowl.
INTERNATIONAL BOWL GAMES
Bowl Games in foreign countries generate the same enthusiastic crowds as in the U.S. For many, the only ingredient missing to complete this "American football experience" has been American bands.
» more destinationsRome New Years Parade

On January 1 every year, tens of thousands gather in St. Peter's Square to celebrate and receive the Pope's New Years Day blessing.
As part of the Vatican's official holiday celebrations, the Rome New Years Parade passes historic Castel Sant' Angelo, proceeds down 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 St. Peter's Square, bands assemble in a reserved area for the Pope's blessing.
While European marching bands and auxiliary units comprise the core of the parade, the parade committee has partnered with Gateway Music Festivals and Tours to extend invitations to select American and Canadian bands. With over twenty years of experience organizing parades and music tours around the world, we are honored to represent this remarkable event.
In addition to Rome, bands are invited to participate in local holiday parades in Tuscany on December 29 or 30. All parades and performances are non-competitive.
January 2009:
"Thank you for an awesome trip – very well-organized trip all the way around."
Steve Nedzel, Assoc. Director of Bands
Lincoln-Way Central Marching Knights, New Lenox, IL
Rome New Years Parade, 2009
January 2007:
"I had never done anything with the band that was more exciting than the Rome New Years Parade. We were literally under the apartment window of the Pope. It was just an emotional roller coaster all the way."
Paul Parets, Director of Bands
Alexis I. duPont Tiger Marching Band, Greenville, DE
Rome New Years Parade, 2007
January 2009:
"Thank you for a truly outstanding trip to Italy for the 2009 Rome New Year's Parade. The trip was remarkable, being met in each performance venue by warmly receptive audiences. While the highlight was certainly marching from St. Peter's and receiving the Papal blessing, we have no less fond memories of our performance. Performing for thousands in St. Peter’s square was a thrill for us all.
I highly encourage bands to travel to Italy to experience the warmth of the Italian people and bask in the culture that we experienced. We were absolutely delighted with every aspect of this remarkable trip and are excited for our return trip in December 2011."
Dr. Neal Schnoor, Director
University of Nebraska Kearney Pride of the Plains Marching Band
Rome New Years Parade, 2006 and 2009
Official Website: www.romenewyearsparade.com
Contact Gateway for a parade packet and application.
Terra Widdifield
Phone: 1-800-331-8579
Email: terra.widdifield@musicfestivals.com
Gateway Music Festivals & Tours
PO Box 1165
Monticello, MN 55362 USA
www.musicfestivals.com
Music Festivals, Parades, and Events | |||
| 2010 | |||
| Fri | Jan | 1, 2010 | Rome New Years Parade |
| 2011 | |||
| Sat | Jan | 1, 2011 | Rome New Years Parade |
| 2012 | |||
| Sun | Jan | 1, 2012 | Rome New Years Parade |
Need more information?
Contact Gateway now! (800) 331-8579 | gmf@musicfestivals.com
