Italy’s Republic Day Explained: What Happens on June 2

The Italian calendar includes 12 national holidays, plus a whole series of other "lesser" holidays that are celebrated only in some cities, such as those dedicated to patron saints.

Among these special days, the Republic Day, in italian Festa della Repubblica, is one of the most heartfelt by the population, despite the fact that, for historical reasons, it has existed for less than a century. It is a secular holiday established, as can be easily deduced from the name, to commemorate the birth of the Republic in Italy, with official ceremonies, the spectacular Frecce Tricolori painting the skies over Rome in green, white and red, and cities coming alive with events, concerts and special initiatives.

Curious to discover what happens during Italy’s Republic Day celebrations in 2026 and how to make the most of the long early-summer weekend? Continue reading the article and get inspired for planning a memorable getaway or weekend escape in the Bel Paese.

The birth of the Italian Republic dates back to the end of the Second World War. In fact, a referendum was held shortly after the end of the conflict to decide which form of government to give to the nation. The country, which until then had been a monarchy, was transformed into a republic. Following this event, the last king of Italy, Umberto II of Savoy, left for exile.

It is worth remembering that the days of the referendum, 2 and 3 June 1946, are important also because they marked the first universal suffrage vote in Italy.

The following year, June 2, 1947, the Italy Republic day was officially celebrated for the first time with military parades in Rome.  Later, in 1948, the Vittoriano monument was inaugurated, and it's still one of the main venues for the celebrations of June 2, together with Palazzo del Quirinale. They both are in Rome.

This day officially became a national holiday the year after, in 1949, and remained so only until 1977. In that year, to try to cope with a heavy economic crisis, the Republic Day Italy was moved to the first Sunday of June.

Subsequently, only in 2001, June 2 returned once again and definitively, to be a day of celebration for the whole country.

Every year to celebrate the anniversary of June 2 in Rome, an important ceremony takes place, in which the highest office of the state, the President of the Republic, takes part.

The flag is raised at the Altare della Patria, then the President offers a wreath of laurel to the monument of the Unknown Soldier, the Vittoriano. With the national anthem in the background this is always a very touching moment but the most spectacular one is undoubtedly the passage of the Frecce Tricolori. It is a patrol of 10 planes that fly in formation, leaving colored trails in the sky that reproduce the tricolore, the Italian flag. On the planes there are only experienced pilots who train for years before being able to perform the complicated stunts that the Frecce Tricolori have become famous for.

Later, in Via dei Fori Imperiali, the road that runs alongside the archaeological complex of the wonderful Roman Forum, a military parade takes place. Finally, there is the opening to the public of the wonderful gardens of the Palazzo del Quirinale, the official residence of the President of the Republic. Every year thousands of people take the opportunity to visit the Palace, which is always open to the public, for a few days a week.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the foundation of the Italian Republic, and for this very special day, dedicated events and celebrations are planned throughout Italy. The official celebrations are concentrated in Rome, starting in the morning. At 9:15 am, the ritual ceremony of laying the wreath of laurel at the foot of the Unknown Soldier, the Vittoriano that encloses the Altar of the Fatherland located in Piazza Venezia, is scheduled. At 10:15 am, a solemn military parade will start from Piazza Venezia in the direction of Via dei Fori Imperiali, composed of all the state apparatuses: military and civilian personnel, armed and non-armed corps, flags and standards, bands and military fanfares. The final honors are entrusted to the fanfare of the 4th Mounted Carabinieri Regiment and the Corazzieri Regiment, to embellish everything with the unmissable show of aerial acrobatics by the Frecce Tricolori.

Everyone can attend this splendid celebration from the stands set up for the occasion on the sides of Via dei Fori Imperiali, reservations are required, and are permitted until seats are filled.

As a new addition for 2026, introduced by President Sergio Mattarella, part of the celebrations will move to Piazza della Repubblica with a large public event broadcast live on RAI television. Titled I volti della Repubblica (“The Faces of the Republic”), the show will feature actors, leading figures from Italian culture, musicians and artists taking turns on stage. 

An interesting tidbit to know is that on June 2nd all state museums and archaeological parks will be open for free, here the advice is to use the Visit Rome Pass, a single card with which you can enjoy free access to Rome's public transport, as well as other notable benefits

Although 2 June a very important day, which marks the birth of modern Italy, there are still no real traditions or even typical dishes to cook. However, this doesn't mean that there is no way to make Festa della Repubblica a special day. Those in Rome on the occasion of June 2 can of course attend the live celebrations, from the laying of the wreath at the Altare della Patria to the historic military parade along Via dei Fori Imperiali and the breathtaking flyover of the Frecce Tricolori, painting the sky green, white and red.

At the same time, Republic Day falls just a few weeks before the official start of summer, when mild temperatures and long sunny days encourage many Italians to enjoy short getaways, weekends in art cities and the first swims of the season on some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches, as well as brief trips across the country.

Even better when 2 June happens close to the weekend. In this case, many also take the opportunity to travel a bit, there are perfect destinations for a holiday in Italy in June 2026.

Even for those who stay in their own city, the options are many. It's a good  opportunity to visit monuments, to organize a picnic in the park, to keep fit with a little urban trekking or take part in some interesting initiative and events. Here are the events not to be missed in Italy in June 2026.

Republic Day is celebrated because June 2, 1946, marked the birth of the Italian Republic. Italians were called to vote in a referendum, the first one held with universal suffrage, in which women participated for the first time as well. Since then, this day has become a national holiday, and schools, offices, and shops are closed.

June 2nd became red on the calendar starting from June 2nd 1949 thanks to law 260. Since 1977 the red date had been moved to the first Sunday of June, and then moved back to June 2nd in 2001. 

On June 2, 1946, there was the first national referendum with universal suffrage and the majority of citizens, between Monarchy and Republic, chose the Republic.