Republic Day

Republic Day (ITA) History

Republic Day commemorates the day on which Italian citizens voted on a new form of government. Following the fall of Mussolini’s fascist Italy, Italians voted for a democratic republic over a monarchy. Republic Day is considered the birth of the Italian nation and today, it is one of the most important days in Italian history.

Republic Day is held on 2 June, the same day on which the institutional referendum was held in 1946. Every year since 1948, Italians around the world have gathered to celebrate their choice of a republic in the aftermath of World War II.

Top 9 Facts for 2026 Republic Day (ITA) in the EU

• The 2026 observance marks the 80th anniversary of the historic 1946 referendum in which Italians voted to abolish the monarchy in favor of a republic, an event that also saw the first time women were granted the right to vote in a national election.
• A highlight of the celebrations in Rome is the spectacular aerial display by the Frecce Tricolori, the world's largest military aerobatic team, which paints the sky with the green, white, and red of the national flag during its low-altitude flight over the Altare della Patria.
• The President of the Italian Republic performs a solemn ceremony by laying a laurel wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to the sounds of the national anthem, Il Canto degli Italiani, which was officially adopted following the birth of the Republic.
• For the 80th anniversary, a major public event in Piazza del Quirinale will feature an evening show titled Faces of the Republic with readings and musical performances from figures in cinema and culture that retrace the nation’s history since the 1946 transition.
• On the afternoon of the holiday, the extensive gardens of the Palazzo del Quirinale, the official residence of the President, are exceptionally opened to the public and hosted by military bands performing live concerts.
• An iconic local tradition involves firefighters abseiling down the exterior of the Colosseum to unfurl a massive tricolor flag that measures approximately 2,000 square meters.
• The 1946 referendum led to the immediate exile of the House of Savoy, with a constitutional ban on the entry of male descendants of the former royal family that remained in effect until 2002.
• Throughout the day, state-run archaeological sites and museums, including the Pantheon and the Borghese Gallery, typically provide free admission to all visitors in honor of the civic values of the Republic.
• The official military parade along the Via dei Fori Imperiali showcases thousands of personnel from the Carabinieri, state police, and various armed forces branches marching through the ancient heart of the capital.

In the News and Trending in the EU for Republic Day

Republic Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Learn about other referendums and how their outcomes impact citizens and the world. Referendums allow citizens to choose between two different courses of action for one political question. There have been some monumental referendums over the past few decades: The Quebec Referendum, The UK’s EU Referendum and the Eritrean Referendum.
• Spread awareness on social media by using the hashtags #RepublicDay, #ItalyRepublicDay and #1946Referendum.
• Go to the Palazzo del Quirinale. Republic Day marks the palace’s official opening. The palace is home to some of the most beautiful gardens in the nation and beautiful views of Rome can be seen from the residence.
• Attend the Republic Day parade in Rome or in another Italian city centre. It takes place in the afternoon and it involves all components of the armed forces and the police. It is one of the biggest displays throughout the entire celebration, including fireworks and activities for the kids.
• Read a book about Italy and fascism during WWII in order to better understand the birth of the Italian Republic. Some of our favourites are: The Day of Battle, Naples ’44, Bold Action: Armies of Italy, The Doctrine of Fascism, My Rise and Fall, Italy and its Monarchy and World War II in Italy.