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Republic Day: why June 2nd is a special day in Italy

June 2nd is a very important date for Italians: It is not a religious holiday, but it’s the day the Italian Republic was born.

In 1946, after the end of World War II, for the first time all Italians — both men and women — were called to vote in a referendum to decide whether Italy should remain a monarchy or become a republic. The majority chose the republic, and from that moment the country began a new path based on democracy, participation, and civil rights.

A few curiosities you might not know:

  • It was the first time women were allowed to vote in Italy.
  • The royal family, the House of Savoy, was exiled after the vote.
  • Every year in Rome, there is a major military parade on Via dei Fori Imperiali, attended by the President of the Republic.
  • The most iconic symbol of Republic Day is the Frecce Tricolori, the Air Force aerobatic team that colors the sky green, white, and red — the colors of the Italian flag.
  • Today, Republic Day is a time to remember the values on which Italy is built: freedom, justice, and solidarity. It’s a celebration for those born in Italy, and also for those who have chosen it as their new home.

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