Festa della Repubblica Italiana

On this day Italy commemorates the birth of its Republic. On June 2 and 3 1946, following the fall of fascism and the end of World War II, an institutional referendum was held in which Italians were asked to vote on which form of government they preferred: a monarchy or a republic.

After 85 years of monarchy, and with 12,717,923 votes for and 10,719,284 votes against, Italy became a Republic, and the monarchs of the House of Savoy was deposed and exiled. Across the world, Italian embassies are holding celebrations with the Heads of State. Prior to the foundation of the Republic, the national holiday was celebrated on the first Sunday of June, the anniversary of the Statuto (constitution) granted by the King Carlo Alberto of Savoy.

This year’s parade was opened by a large representation of mayors, all sporting the tricolor flag. The reception at the Quirinal was expected to receive 1,800 guests from across the political, institutional, civil and cultural realms. A buffet was held in the palace's splendid gardens, hosted by Italian President Sergio Mattarella and attended by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and the heads of Italy's political parties. Before the event, there was a ceremonial changing of the guard at the palace which included horse guards, followed by a concert which was broadcast on television.

Traditionally the day is opened by the head of state, who, accompanied by the Defence Minister and the highest offices of state laid a wreath at the Shrine of the Unknown Soldier to commemorate all the soldiers and civilians who have served and still serve the state.

The parade route starts from the Imperial Forum where civilians and the military are divided into seven sections: historical uniforms with the flags of international organisations and multinational organisations, men and women of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Carabinieri, the military and auxiliary bodies of the State, the armed Corps including the children of the national civil service.

The Paralympic athletes of Defense Group's Sports took part along with the victors of the Invictus Games in Orlando (Florida). Then the Frecce Tricolori, the Italian aeronautical acrobatic team, known as the Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale, streaked the skies with green, white and red plumes of smoke signifying the three colors of the Italian national flag.