Rome Celebrates Italy’s Republic Day with a Spectacular Military Parade
Italy marks Festa della Repubblica, Italy’s Republic Day, with a national public holiday on Sunday, 2 June 2024.
This year is the 78th edition of the annual event that commemorates the historic day in 1946 when Italians voted in favor of a republic, signaling the end of the monarchy discredited during World War II.
The highlight of the national event is when President Sergio Mattarella lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Rome’s Vittoriano monument in Piazza Venezia on the morning of 2 June.
After the wreath-laying ceremony, the Frecce Tricolori jets perform a breathtaking aeronautical display over the city center, emitting plumes with the colors of the Italian flag – red, white, and green.
The day continues with a grand military parade along Via dei Fori Imperiali, set against the majestic backdrop of the Colosseum, showcasing thousands of members from Italy’s armed forces.
Expect various street closures and traffic restrictions in the city center due to the celebration.
Furthermore, for the second consecutive year, Italy will celebrate Festa della Repubblica by opening state museums and archaeological sites, including the Colosseum, for free on 2 June.
With Festa della Repubblica falling on a Sunday in 2024, Italy’s public offices and schools will also be closed, observing the national holiday.
