Italy is a happy, colorful and cheerful country that values and celebrates life in its own way. Only those who have attended actual Italian celebrations know what energy and feeling are in the air. No matter what it celebrates, Italy does it as only it knows – with respect, lots of styles, and, of course, food.
Today we tell you the history behind the Republican Day of Italy, as well as the ways in which it is celebrated in different regions of the country. The Day of the Italian Republic is a national holiday in honor of the birth of the republic. It is celebrated every year on June 2, the date of the institutional referendum of 1946, and is mainly celebrated in Rome. The Day of the Italian Republic is still one of the symbols of the country.
The public celebrates with fireworks, concerts, parades, and picnics. The country’s president presents a ceremonial wreath to the Unknown Soldier,
followed by a military parade in the historic capital – Rome. The Republican Day of Italy marks the date on which the Italians voted in 1946 in a referendum to abolish the monarchy and establish a republic. This puts a new chapter in the history of the country, which is remembered and celebrated to this day.
The referendum was announced after the fall of the fascist regime and at the end of World War II. The Italian public voted, and with very little difference in votes, on June 10, it was announced that the country would be a republic. The results are clear – the state is launching a new chapter of freedom.
Every year this date marks the historic choice of the Italians. It is celebrated with official ceremonies, speeches, concerts, and parades across the country, with the capital celebrating the biggest celebrations. There is also a
military parade, which is broadcasted around the world, and anyone can become part of it. Celebrations are also held at Italian embassies around the world, marking the date by raising flags, recreating the Italian flag, and organizing traditional Italian picnics.
We dare say that the national holiday means a lot to the whole of Italy. On June 2, all offices, banks, and schools are closed so that anyone can become a part of the big celebrations, parades, and the presentation of the wreath of the Unknown Soldier. That afternoon, military bands played music in front of the Italian president’s residence. On this day, the place is open for visits, and everyone can peek into the charming gardens of the palace.
However, the acrobatic performance of the Italian Air Force remains the focus of the festivities during the day. Nine planes, emitting red, green, and white smoke, circle the sky and fly over the monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of a united Italy, recreating the Italian flag in front of all the celebrants.
The other traditional celebration of Republican Day is in a typically Italian style – through food. Italian cuisine has created some of the world’s best
culinary masterpieces. There is no way the country’s freedom can be honored without plans to include traditional Italian cuisine, delicious pizza, fine pasta, and classic drinks. Italy was not united as a state until 1861, so regional traditions are still not eradicated. Each of the 20 regions has developed its own unique culture over the centuries, and, even today, the traditional cuisine of each of them differs from the others.
A typical Republican day for Italians is a picnic in nature. This is how they celebrate their freedom, together with one of the symbols of their country – delicious food. Depending on their location, they love to prepare baskets full of traditional dishes, delicious homemade cakes, and refreshing drinks to honor their republic, admiring its irreplaceable beauty. Locals also like to spend their free days singing the Italian national anthem. Composed by Michele Novaro, it is a beautiful and tender patriotic melody that each of them is proud of.
Do not hesitate to jump to the city square when you are in Rome. Include in the festivities. Honor the country with delicious food and a good day, a symbol of history – just as the Italians themselves would do.
