Two free music concerts will see in the New Year in Rome from 22.00 on 31 December, city authorities have confirmed. At the ex-Mercati Generali in the Ostiense area of the city, Fiorella Mannoia will perform from her most recent album, the Brazilian samba-influenced “Onda Tropicale”, while at Cinecittà Campus Ambrogio Sparagna and his orchestra will perform a winter version of “Una notte della taranta”, a popular concert fusing “pizzica” folkloric music with more modern influences which takes place in August on the Salentine peninsula in Puglia. The A and B metro lines will stay open until 02.00 on 1 January for the occasion.

City authorities have also announced the festive programme for children. On January 1, Piazza del Popolo will be transformed into the “Square of simple miracles” for children, with interactive paths, sculptures and live shows from 14.00 to 17.30. For 6 January (Epiphany), the Bioparco (Villa Borghese, tel. 063608211) will offer free entry from 09.30 to 16.00 and will give a book of animal tales to every visitor. The Teatro Tor Bella Monaca (Via Bruno Cirino, tel. 062010579) will hold a huge chocolate festival from 16.00-20.00, with chocolate body painting, tastings and games, and there will be a Befana-themed performance at the Teatro del Lido in Ostia (Via delle Sirene 22, tel. 0656201611) at 16.00 (free entrance until all seats are taken).