Festa della Repubblica celebrated

Rome: Italian Republic Day, also widely known as ‘Festa della Repubblica’ for Italians, was nationally celebrated on Thursday.

The historical day commemorates the institutional referendum of 1946 when Italians were called to take a vote and decide the form of their government after World War II. With a flood of votes, they chose to be a republic with a constituent assembly and sent the kingdom to exile. So, on this day, a massive celebration takes place in the city of Rome to celebrate the creation of the Italian Republic.

It all began after the fall of the fascist regime in Italy, supported by the House of Savoy for more than 20 years. The House of Savoy was a royal dynasty established in 1003, which gradually grew from a family in power to a massive kingdom with absolute rule.

Following the fall and the end of World War II, a referendum was announced by universal suffrage in 1946, to be held on June 2 and June 3. The Italian public gathered to vote for their form of government — for either a monarchy or a republic. On June 10, it was revealed that 45% of voters had chosen the monarchy, whereas 54% of Italians wanted a republic. The results were clear — Italians ushered in a new chapter of freedom, as declared by the Court of Cassation, and exiled the male members of the royal family — the House of Savoy. The country adopted a new constitution on January 1, 1948, making Italy a unitary parliamentary republic with a permanent ban on the monarchy to ever rule the country again.

Every year, June 2 is commemorated with official ceremonies, speeches, concerts, and parades across the country, with a hallmark military parade celebration taking place in the capital city of Rome that is broadcast worldwide and can be enjoyed by all. Celebrations take place at Italian embassies all around the world as well, characterized by flag hoisting, painting faces red, green, and white, and going on Italian picnics. Another highlight of the day is the flyover by the Frecce Tricolori. Many aircraft soar through the Italian skies, releasing streaks of white, green, and red smoke. It’s a beautiful sight to see!