Republic Day is a national holiday in Italy marking the 1946 referendum when Italians voted to abolish the monarchy and establish a republic. It was also the first election in which Italian women voted. The day is commemorated with a military parade in Rome, a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and an aerial show, symbolizing Italy's rebirth as a free and democratic nation.

When is Republic Day?

Republic Day in Italy is celebrated on June 2 each year.

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

The History of Republic Day?

After World War II, Italy was in political and social turmoil. The Fascist regime of Benito Mussolini had collapsed, the country was divided between Allied and Nazi-controlled zones, and the House of Savoy, Italy's royal family, was widely blamed for supporting Fascism.

In this climate, Italians demanded a new political direction and a fresh start free from dictatorship and monarchy.

On June 2–3, 1946, Italians were called to vote in a constitutional referendum to decide whether Italy should remain a monarchy or become a republic. It was the first national election in which Italian women could vote, a historic milestone for gender equality.

The results were close 12.7 million votes (54.3%) for the Republic, 10.7 million votes (45.7%) for the Monarchy. On June 12, 1946, King Umberto II accepted the results and went into exile in Portugal, earning the nickname "the May King" for his brief reign.

On June 2, 1946, Italy officially became the Italian Republic, marking the end of over 85 years of monarchy (since unification in 1861). At the same time, elections were held for the Constituent Assembly, which later drafted the Italian Constitution, coming into force on January 1, 1948.

June 2 was declared a national holiday in 1949 to commemorate the formation of the Republic.