Public holiday in Italy
Republic Day in Italy
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Republic Day is Italy’s national day, marking the 1946 referendum that ended the monarchy and made Italy a republic. It is a nationwide public holiday observed on 2 June.
About Republic Day in Italy
In Italy, Republic Day is the main civic anniversary of the modern state. It commemorates the 1946 institutional referendum in which Italians voted to replace the monarchy with a republic, and it is observed across the country as a national public holiday. The day is especially associated with the symbols of the republic, the armed forces, and the institutions of the Italian state.
History
After the Second World War, Italy held an institutional referendum on 2 and 3 June 1946 to choose between monarchy and republic. The republican option won, and the result led to the end of the House of Savoy as Italy’s ruling dynasty. The date was later established as the annual Republic Day, tied to the birth of the Italian Republic.
Traditions
The best-known symbolic tradition is the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Altare della Patria in Rome, attended by the President of the Republic. The day is also associated with the military parade and formal ceremonial display in the capital. Italian tricolour flags are commonly shown on public buildings and at state events.
How Republic Day is celebrated in Italy
Rome is the focal point of official observance, with state ceremonies and a parade that draw national attention. Many people use the holiday as a day off and a chance to attend local events, travel, or spend time with family, while public institutions and the media give the anniversary prominent coverage.
Interesting facts
The referendum that created the republic was held by universal suffrage, including voting for women at a nationwide level for the first time in Italy. Republic Day is one of Italy’s main moments of state ceremony, alongside events connected to unification and remembrance.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 Jun 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.