Festa della Repubblica

The vote for a republic

The roots of the holiday lie in the institutional referendum held on 2 and 3 June 1946. After the devastation of the Second World War and the collapse of the fascist regime, Italian citizens went to the ballot boxes under universal suffrage. They had to decide whether the state should continue as a constitutional monarchy under the House of Savoy or begin anew as a republic. A majority voted for a republic, while also electing delegates to a constituent assembly tasked with writing a new constitution. The first official commemoration took place one year later, on 2 June 1947.

Ceremonies in Rome

The centrepiece of the national celebration unfolds in Rome. The President of the Republic leads the morning rites by placing a fresh laurel wreath upon the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Altare della Patria monument. Following this tribute, an extensive military parade proceeds through the historic city along Via dei Fori Imperiali. Overhead, the national aerobatic demonstration team, the Frecce Tricolori, soars past the monument, streaming trails of red, white, and green smoke through the sky to represent the Italian flag.

Public celebrations

Beyond the formal state ceremonies in the capital, the holiday provides a day of rest and recreation throughout the country. Citizens gather for civic concerts, public parades, and festive fireworks displays. Many families and friends take advantage of the early summer weather to share outdoor picnics. As one of Italy's primary national symbols, the observance brings communities together to reflect on the founding principles of freedom, democracy, and popular sovereignty that replaced monarchical rule in the post-war era.

How Festa della Repubblica is kept

In Rome, the President of the Republic opens the day by presenting a laurel wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Altare della Patria. A ceremonial parade then marches down Via dei Fori Imperiali, while display aircraft fly overhead releasing smoke in the national colours of green, white, and red. Across Italian towns and cities, people take part in local parades, attend open-air concerts, and gather for picnics, finishing the holiday with evening fireworks.

When and where

The holiday is observed each year on 2 June, the calendar date that marks the start of the 1946 referendum. It is a fixed national public holiday lasting one full day.

The day is celebrated across all of Italy, with the primary state ceremonies, presidential tributes, and main parades taking place in the capital city of Rome.

What Festa della Repubblica means

The day stands as a national symbol of popular democracy, unity, and self-determination. By honouring the 1946 referendum, it marks the end of fascist rule and monarchy, celebrating the collective decision of Italian citizens to build a constitutional republic founded on freedom, universal voting rights, and democratic governance.

Questions people ask about Festa della Repubblica

See also

ChristmasA festival of Jesus's birth, kept on 25 December with gifts, lights and shared mealsValentine's DayA Christian feast day and cultural celebration of love kept on February 14 in many countries.Christmas treeA decorated evergreen or artificial tree placed indoors to mark the Christmas season.Holy WeekThe solemn seven days leading to Easter, recalling the final week and Passion of Jesus

Good reading and sources

• Festa della Repubblica on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.