Italy celebrates Festa della Repubblica on June 2nd
Repubblica Day, also known as Festa Della Repubblica, is the holiday celebrating the formation of Italy’s republic post-World War II. Repubblica Day is observed 2 June, the anniversary of the day in 1946 Italians when voted for Italy to become a republic, abolishing the former monarchy.
On June 2, 2025, Italy celebrates the 79th anniversary of the Republic with a series of solemn and spectacular events, culminating in the grand military parade along the Imperial Forums and the breathtaking flyover of the Frecce Tricolori across the skies of Rome.
How do Italians celebrate Repubblica Day?
Repubblica Day is celebrated throughout Italy, with festivals, parades, and special events taking place across the country. As a public holiday, schools, government offices, and many businesses are closed on 2 June.
The biggest Repubblica Day festivities take place in Rome, the capital city, and are attended by the president of Italy and other important government officials. Repubblica Day traditions include a flag raising ceremony at the the Altare della Patria (at 9.15am), a memorial to unknown soldiers of World War I. During this ceremony, the President of Italy lays a laurel wreath at the memorial, commemorating the fallen soldiers.
One of the most exciting events of Repubblica Day in Rome is a military parade on Via Dei Fori Imperiali followed by the iconic Frecce Tricolori aerobatic show. The Frecce Tricolori are a prestigious group of fighter jets in the Italian Air Force. On Repubblica Day, they fly above Piazza Venezia and the national monument of Vittorio Emanuele II, billowing out streams of red, green, and white smoke in the pattern of the Italian flag.
Recommended Spots to Watch the Parade:
- Via dei Fori Imperiali
- Via di San Gregorio
- Piazza Venezia
- Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
- Piazza di Porta Capena
- Via dei Cerchi
- Via Celio Vibenna
- Via del Teatro Marcello
- Piazza Bocca della Verità
- Via del Circo Massimo
While there is no official dish or dessert of Repubblica Day, we recommend celebrating the day with a fresh Caprese salad. Its ingredients of tomato, mozzarella, and basil are the same colors as the Italian flag.
June 2, 2025 – Free Admission to State Museums and Archaeological Parks for Republic Day
Once again this year, to celebrate Republic Day on Monday, June 2, 2025, entry to state-run museums, archaeological areas, and cultural sites will be free throughout Italy.
In Rome, visitors will have the chance to explore an extraordinary selection of cultural landmarks at no cost:
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill – The ultimate symbol of Rome and its ancient legacy.
- Borghese Gallery – One of Italy’s richest art collections, set in the lush surroundings of Villa Borghese. (Reservation required)
- National Roman Museum – Including the sites of Palazzo Massimo, Baths of Diocletian, Crypta Balbi, and Palazzo Altemps.
- Castel Sant’Angelo National Museum – A historic fortress overlooking the Tiber River.
- Pantheon – Now a state monument, it is open for free on designated days (check access details in advance).
- National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (GNAM) – A must for fans of 19th- and 20th-century art.
For full details on opening hours, access procedures, mandatory reservations, and any specific regulations, please consult the official website of the Ministry of Culture (https://cultura.gov.it) or the websites of individual museums.
