Today, the Festa della Repubblica, celebrated annually on 2 June, is one of the country's most important public holidays. In 2026, the celebrations are even more solemn as they mark the round anniversary of one of the most important events in modern Italian history.
The referendum that changed Italy
After the end of the Second World War, Italy faced an important decision. The people had the choice of whether the country would continue as a kingdom under the rule of the Savoy dynasty or become a republic. On 2 and 3 June 1946, the first national referendum in the history of modern Italy took place. The result was fairly close but clear. The majority of those who voted were in favour of a republic.
This vote had another historical significance. For the first time, women were also able to take part and were granted the right to vote at national level. The referendum thus represented not only a political turning point but also a significant step towards equality and the democratisation of society.
The end of the monarchy and the departure of the King
After the announcement of the referendum results, the more than 80 years of existence of the Kingdom of Italy came to an end. The last king, Umberto II, went into exile and the country began to build a new state system.
This was followed by the creation of the Constituent Assembly, which drafted a new constitution. This came into force on 1 January 1948 and laid the foundations of modern democratic Italy as we know it today.
How the Festa della Repubblica is celebrated
The biggest celebrations take place every year in Rome. Traditionally, the President of the Republic pays tribute to fallen soldiers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the monumental Vittoriano.
This is followed by a solemn military parade on Via dei Fori Imperiali, attended by members of the army, police, fire brigades and other state forces. One of the highlights of the programme is a flypast by the famous acrobatic group Frecce Tricolori, whose planes colour the sky in the green, white and red of the Italian flag.
Many cities host concerts, exhibitions, cultural events and open days in important historical buildings.
Why the 80th anniversary is so special
Eight decades since the founding of the Republic presents an opportunity to reflect on the country's modern history. Italy has undergone a huge transformation since 1946 - from post-war reconstruction to economic boom to its current position as one of Europe's most important economies.
The anniversary is also a reminder of the values on which the Republic is built: democracy, civil liberty, equality and citizen participation in deciding the country's future.
Did you know...?
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More than 24 million voters took part in the 1946 referendum.
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The Republic won approximately 54% of the vote.
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The southern part of Italy mostly supported the preservation of the monarchy, while the north voted overwhelmingly for the Republic.
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It was the first national vote in which women participated.
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2. june has been a public holiday since 1948.
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The celebrations were moved to the first Sunday in June between 1977 and 2000 for economic reasons, but later returned to the original date.
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