Liberation Day in Italy commemorates the end of Nazi occupation and the fall of Mussolini's Fascist regime in 1945, marking Italy's liberation during World War II. The day honors the Italian Resistance who fought for freedom and democracy. Across Italy, parades, concerts and ceremonies take place to celebrate peace, unity and the nation's rebirth as a republic.

When is Liberation Day?

Liberation Day in Italy is celebrated on April 25 each year.

The following is the list of Liberation Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Liberation Day?

During World War II, Italy was originally aligned with Nazi Germany under Benito Mussolini's Fascist regime. In July 1943, Mussolini was deposed and arrested, and the new Italian government signed an armistice with the Allies on September 8, 1943.

However, Germany quickly invaded northern and central Italy, freeing Mussolini and setting up a puppet state—the Italian Social Republic—based in Salò, northern Italy. From 1943 to 1945, Italy was divided: the south under Allied control and the north under Nazi and Fascist forces.

In response to the occupation, Italian citizens formed the Resistance, a broad alliance of partisans from diverse political backgrounds: communists, socialists, Catholics, liberals and monarchists. These groups carried out sabotage, intelligence and guerrilla warfare against Nazi troops and Fascist militias. The National Liberation Committee (CLN) coordinated the resistance and served as a provisional political authority.

On April 25, 1945, the National Liberation Committee (CLN) in Milan called for a general uprising across northern Italy. Cities including Milan, Turin, and Genoa were liberated by partisans before Allied troops arrived.

Within days, Mussolini was captured and executed (April 28, 1945). The liberation marked the end of Nazi occupation and the collapse of Fascism in Italy.

In 1946, the Italian government declared April 25 a national holiday to commemorate liberation and honor those who fought for freedom. It became a lasting symbol of Italy's transition from dictatorship to democracy and its path toward becoming a republic.