Rome marks 2,769th birthday

(ANSA) - Rome, April 21 - Rome celebrated its 2,679th birthday, since Romulus and Remus established the city in 753 BC according to legend, with a raft of events Thursday.
    Commissioner Francesco Paolo Tronca laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and was later set to attend a police concert in Piazza Campidoglio before inaugurating the restyling of one of Rome's most famous green terraces, the Giardino degli Aranci.
    On Thursday night the Roman Forum will be illuminated along with the Imperial Fora and William Kentridge's murals along the Tiber will be officially inaugurated. "It is beautiful and important to see how Rome, while having a history of 28 centuries, knows and passes on the date of its birthday always," said Tronca.
    "It is almost certainly the only city in the world which celebrates with such affection the anniversary of its foundation, making this tradition one of its dearest remembrances".
    "Looking at Rome with love and pride, passion and respect is the best way to celebrate its 2,769th birthday" said Tronca, who took over from former mayor Ignazio Marino late last year will be replaced by a newly elected mayor on June 5.