June 2 is an Italian national holiday for the Festa della Repubblica, or the Festival of the Republic. Similar to Independence Day in the United States and other countries, it celebrates the official formation of the Republic of Italy after World War II.
Banks, many shops and some restaurants, museums and tourist sites will be closed on June 2, or they may have reduced hours. If you plan to visit a site or museum, check their website in advance to see if it is open. Since the Vatican Museums are not actually in Italy, but in Vatican City, they are open on June 2. Transportation services in most places operate on Sundays and holidays, which means there will be fewer buses, trams, and subway trains.
Small festivals, concerts, and parades are held throughout Italy, as well as at Italian embassies in other countries, often followed by fireworks. The largest and most spectacular celebrations of Republic Day take place in Rome, the seat of the Italian government and residence of the President of Italy.
Republic Day celebrations in Rome:
Republic Day is one of the main events of June in Rome, and why be in the city. The city celebrates with a grand parade in the morning, chaired by the President of Italy, along Via dei Fori Imperiali , the street that borders the Roman Forum. Expect large crowds if you plan to attend the parade. Usually a large Italian flag is also draped over the Colosseum. On Republic Day, the Italian president places a wreath of flowers on the monument to the unknown soldier (from the First World War), in the Monument to Vittorio Emmanuele II.
In the afternoon, various military bands play music in the gardens of the Palazzo del Quirinale , the residence of the Italian president, which will be open to the public on June 2.
The highlight of the day’s festivities is the display of the Frecce Tricolori , the acrobatic patrol of the Italian Air Force. Nine planes emitting red, green and white smoke fly in formation over the Monument to Vittorio Emmanuele II (the first King of unified Italy), creating a beautiful design that resembles the Italian flag. The Vittorio Emmanuele II monument is a massive white marble structure between Piazza Venezia and the Capitol, but the Frecce Tricolori exhibit can be seen throughout most of Rome.
History of Republic Day
Republic Day celebrates the day in 1946 that Italians voted for the republican form of government. After World War II, a vote was held on June 2-3 to determine whether Italy should follow a monarchy or republic form of government. The majority voted for the republic and a few years later, June 2 was declared a holiday as the day the Italian Republic was created.
Other events in Italy in June
June is the start of the summer festival season and outdoor concert season. June 2 is the only national holiday during the month, but there are many fun local festivals and events in June throughout Italy.
