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.