Do you know that when Italy was founded in 1861, monarchy prevailed in the country? It remained this way until the June of 1946, when Italians decided to ditch the monarchy government system and become a republic instead. Not long after, the Italian Constitution was made in 1948.
Each year, Italians celebrate Republic Day in commemoration of their newfound republic status.
In learning about Festa della Repubblica (Republic Day in Italy), you’re allowing yourself a broader understanding of Italian culture and its history. As any language learner can tell you, this is a vital step in language mastery.
At ItalianPod101.com, we hope to make it both fun and informative! Learn about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Italian parades, and the Italian Constitution with us, as we delve into the Republic Day of Italy!
1. What is Republic Day in Italy?
Italy was originally a monarchy; in fact, its unification was commissioned by the Savoia family, a noble family of Piemontesi origin. From 1861, for nearly ninety years in Italy, both the king and the parliament co-existed.
Unfortunately, the Savoia family was not much loved by the Italians, especially because they never opposed the fascist dictatorship, and during the Second World War, they left the army and the people without any guidance. In 1946, not only the monarchy was abolished, but the Savoia were also sent into exile outside Italy, until 2002.
2. When is Republic Day in Italy?
After World War II ended, there were elections and the Italians decided to abolish the monarchy and became a republic. That day was June 2, 1946 and today it is the Republic Day.
3. Reading Practice: How is Italy’s Republic Day Celebrated?
On Republic Day, Italy observes a few fascinating traditions and celebrations. Read the Italian text below to find out, and then read the English translation directly below it.
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Anche il 2 giugno, come il 25 aprile, si festeggia con una cerimonia a Roma presso l’Altare della Patria, a cui partecipa il Presidente della Repubblica. Con questa festa si ricorda anche il cosidetto “miracolo economico italiano,” cioè la veloce ripresa economica dell’Italia dopo i cinque lunghi anni della guerra mondiale. Anche se l’Italia aveva perso la guerra e molte città erano state distrutte dai bombardamenti aerei, tutto cambiò velocemente e il tenore di vita migliorò in poco tempo.
Un evento particolarmente interessante del 2 giugno è l’apertura speciale del Palazzo del Quirinale a Roma. Il Palazzo del Quirinale è uno dei monumenti piu’ belli di Roma, ma e’ anche la casa del Presidente della Repubblica. E’ un palazzo del sedicesimo secolo e fu il palazzo del re fino al 1945, le sue sale e i suoi giardini sono bellissimi e chi riesce a visitarli è molto fortunato.
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June 2, like April 25, is celebrated with a ceremony in Rome at the Altar of the Fatherland, which is attended by the President of Italy. With this festival, people also remember the so-called “Italian economic miracle,” the recovery of the economy of Italy after the five long years of World War II. Although Italy had lost the war and many cities were destroyed by aerial bombings, everything changed quickly and the standard of living improved in a short span of time.
A particularly interesting event of June 2 is the special opening of the Quirinale Palace in Rome. The Quirinale Palace is one of the most beautiful monuments in Rome, but also serves as the residence of the President. It is a building from the sixteenth century and was the king’s palace until 1945; its rooms and gardens are very beautiful, and those who manage to see them are considered very lucky.
4. Additional Republic Day Celebrations & Traditions
1- Tri-color Air Show
One of the most beautiful events of this day is definitely that of the Tricolor Air Show, which is when some Italian army aircraft create the Italian flag in the sky with amazing aerobatics and colored smoke.
In the same vein, do you know in which city the “tricolor,” the national flag of Italy was created?
The “tricolor,” green-white-red, was created in Reggio Emilia in 1797, long before Italy was unified.
2- What is The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
While the Tomb of the Unknown soldier didn’t originate in Italy, it is one of a few countries to have a tomb dedicated to soldiers lost in war who were unidentified.
In Italy, this tomb is called the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, mentioned above, and it’s a significant aspect of the Italian National Day (as it is for numerous other important Italian holidays). In a sense, it represents Italy’s struggle to reaching its republic status as a country. It also embodies all of the losses before and after.
5. Useful Vocabulary for Italy’s Republic Day
Here’s some vocabulary you should know for Republic Day in Italy!
- Roma — “Rome”
- Repubblica — “Republic”
- Costituzione — “Constitution”
- Parata — “Parade”
- Tomba del Milite Ignoto — “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier”
- Tricolore — “Tricolor”
- Promulgare — “Promulgate”
- Frecce Tricolori — “Tricolor Arrows”
- Altare della Patria — “Altar of the Fatherland”
- Rendere omaggio — “Pay homage”
- Ghirlanda d’alloro — “Laurel garland”
To hear each vocabulary word pronounced, check out our Italian Republic Day vocabulary list. Here, each word is listed alongside an audio file of its pronunciation.
Conclusion
What do you think of Italy’s Republic Day and its celebrations? How does your country celebrate its Republic Day? Let us know in the comments!
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