Festa della Repubblica
On 2 June, Italy celebrates its republic. The Festa della Repubblica marks the 1946 referendum in which Italians chose a republic over a monarchy. Every year, parades, concerts and public events take place across the country — from Rome to Milan, from Palermo to Venice. Entry to virtually everything is free.
✅ Free admission — Italy’s national day is completely free. The military parade and ceremonies are open to everyone.
Free entry — the parade, concerts and public events on 2 June are free to attend.
What to see and do
Military parade in Rome
The spectacular centrepiece: a military parade along the Via dei Fori Imperiali, the wide boulevard leading directly to the Colosseum. Military units, aircraft, parachutists and brass bands pass by with the Altare della Patria as backdrop. Arrive early for a good spot.
Open monuments
Around 2 June, monuments and buildings normally closed to the public open their doors. The Quirinale Palace — the official residence of the President — opens its gardens to everyone.
Fireworks
In Rome and other cities, the evening of 2 June ends with fireworks. The fireworks above the Tiber in Rome are one of the best known — watch from one of the bridges.
A referendum that changed the country
On 2 and 3 June 1946, Italians voted in a referendum on the form of government they wanted. With a majority of 54 percent, they chose the republic, abolishing the monarchy. Since then, 2 June has been a national holiday, comparable to 14 July in France or 4 July in the United States: a day when the whole country pauses to reflect on the origins of its current form of government.
For many, the highlight of the day is the flypast of the Frecce Tricolori, Italy’s aerobatic display team, which traces the national colours across the sky above Rome as the parade concludes — a moment that draws applause even from spectators who’ve watched it many times before.
Beyond the parade, concerts and public events take place in Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin and numerous other cities on 2 June. Municipal squares temporarily turn into stages, with orchestras and choirs performing outdoors. In Rome’s Circus Maximus, a large free concert is traditionally part of the programme. The evening closes with fireworks in Rome and several other cities — the display over the Tiber in Rome is among the best known, with the bridges over the river offering the best vantage points.
The Festa della Repubblica falls annually on 2 June. The main celebration takes place in Rome, with similar festivities in Milan, Naples and Turin among other cities. Access to every part of it is entirely free. Rome is reachable for the parade via metro line B to the Colosseo stop; arriving early pays off here too. More information can be found at quirinale.it.
Practical info
- • Date: annually on 2 June
- • Entry: completely free
- • Location: Rome (main celebration), also Milan, Naples, Turin and other Italian cities
- • Getting there (Rome): metro line B to Colosseo; arrive early for the parade
- • More info: quirinale.it