S. Lorenzo district of Rome rejects negative stereotypes.

Viva S. Lorenzo is a two-week festival designed to show the best that S. Lorenzo has to offer in terms of its rich sense of culture and community.

The festival, from 4-18 April, is promoted by the "Free Republic of S. Lorenzo" and is designed to shake off the area's recent negative reputation in the media.

The neighbourhood is holding a range of cultural and social events for all ages, including live music, kids' activities, artisan workshops, dance and photography classes, film screenings, book presentations, silent discos and guided tours.

For details see Facebook event page.