Liberation Day, or Festa della Liberazione, on April 25 is a national holiday marked by ceremonies, historical re-enactments, and celebrations commemorating the end of World War II in Italy. Many cities host fairs, concerts, food festivals, or special events. Like D-Day celebrations in the US and elsewhere, it is also a day that Italy pays tribute to its war victims and veterans, called Combattenti, or fighters. Most of the smaller cities and towns still ring the bells to commemorate Italy’s liberation day, and wreaths are placed on war memorials.
Unlike other great Italian festivals, most of the major sites and museums are open on Liberation Day, although businesses and some shops are likely to close. You can also find special exhibits or rare openings of sites or monuments that are not normally open to the public.
Since the May 1 Labor Day holiday falls less than a week later, Italians often take a bridge or bridge to have an extended holiday from April 25 to May 1. Therefore, this period can be very crowded in the main tourist destinations. If you plan to visit major museums or sites, it is a good idea to check to make sure they are open and buy your tickets in advance.
Visit WWII sites in Italy
April 25 is a good day to visit one of the many sites, historical monuments, battlefields or museums related to WWII. One of the best known WWII sites in Italy is Montecassino Abbey, the site of a great battle near the end of the war. Although almost completely destroyed by bombardment, the abbey was quickly rebuilt and remains a functioning monastery. Perched high on a hill halfway between Rome and Naples, Montecassino Abbey is worth a visit to see the beautiful basilica with its impressive mosaics and frescoes, the museum with historical WWII memorabilia, and great views.
Thousands of Americans died in Europe during World Wars I and II and Italy has two large American cemeteries that can be visited. The Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Nettuno is south of Rome (see map of southern Lazio) and can be reached by train. The Florence American Cemetery, just south of Florence, can be easily reached by bus from Florence.
For more Italian WWII sites you can visit, check out Anne Leslie Saunders’ excellent book, A Travel Guide to Italy’s WWII Sites .
April 25 Festivals in Venice:
Venice celebrates one of its most important festivals, the Festa di San Marco, in honor of Saint Mark, the city’s patron saint. La Festa di San Marco is celebrated with a gondolier regatta, a procession to St. Mark’s Basilica, and a festival in St. Mark’s Square or St. Mark’s Square. Expect large crowds in Venice on April 25 and if you visit the city during this period, be sure to book your Venice hotel in advance.
Venice also celebrates the traditional festival of the Bocolo , a day when men present the women in their lives (girlfriends, wives or mothers) with a rosebud or red bocolo.
