Festa della Repubblica - 75 years

The Italian Republic was born 75 years ago on June 2, 1946. It was on that day the Italian people voted to abolish the monarchy and establish a Republic at the end of WWII.

The ceremonies take place in Rome and among others, it includes the deposition of a wreath to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The holiday is also celebrated by a military parade in Via Dei Fori Imperiali the which goes through ancient forums and the Colosseum.

The President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella gives a speech commemorating the event.

The Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi also addresses the Nation.

An airshow of fighter jets flies over leaving trails of green, white, and red smoke (known as Frecce Tricolori), the colors of the Italian flag.

The ceremonies opened this year at the magnificent Altare della Patria in Piazza di Venezia.  The festivities begin with the Italian National Anthem known to the Italians as Inno di Mameli or Il Canto degli Italiani which was written by Goffredo Mameli and set to music by Michelle Novaro in 1847.

Viva Italia!