When is Republic Day in Italy?

Italy's National Day is always celebrated on June 2nd.

This day marks the referendum that took place in 1946 and which resulted in the creation of the Italian Republic (Repubblica Italiana).

A little bit of Italian history 

On March 17th 1861, Italy became a nation.

On this occasion, most of the states of the region and the two Sicilies (due Sicilie) were united under King Victor Emmanuel II.

Count Camillo Benso di Cavour, the Chief Minister of Victor Emmanuel is considered the father of Italian unification.

The main city of Rome stayed under the rule of the Papacy for nearly 10 years.

Afterwards, it became part of the Kingdom of Italy (September 20th 1870).

This is the final date of Italian unification.

italian history

 

Birth of Italian Republic

Until the birth of the Italian Republic in 1946, Italy was a monarchy, ruled by the House of Savoy 

On June 2nd 1946, in a popular referendum on the monarchy, it became a republic.

At the same time, a constituent assembly was elected to prepare a new constitution (costituzione italiana). 

The birth of the Italian Republic was announced on June 10th 1946.

Furthermore, on June 18th, the Court of Cassation, sanctioned the birth of the Italian Republic.

repubblica italiana

Curious to know what happened with the House of Savoy? 

Well, the male family members were sent into exile because of their association with the fascist regime.

They were only allowed to return to Italy in 2002.

How Italians celebrate Republic Day

On Republic Day, banks, shops, some restaurants, museums, and tourist sites remain closed, or they may have reduced hours.

On this day, Italy's president lays a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (from World War I) at the Altare della Patria in Rome.

There are festivals, concerts, and parades held throughout Italy, often followed by fireworks displays. 

A highlight of Republic Day in Italy is the display by the Italian Air Force acrobatic patrol (Frecce Tricolori).

italy republic day

Buona Festa Della Repubblica! 

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