Rome marks 74th Festa della Repubblica on 2 June 2020.

Italy's national day - Festa della Repubblica - will be different in 2020 with celebrations for the 74th edition of Republic Day reduced due to the covid-19 crisis.

Rome plays a central role in the Italian public holiday on 2 June with the nation's president Sergio Mattarella laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Altare della Patria, normally at 09.15.

Frecce Tricolori

The Frecce Tricolor, a popular aeronautical display featuring fighter jets, will fly in formation over the centre of Rome, emitting plumes of the three colours from the Italian flag. 

The fly-past, which will be broadcast live on RAI 1 with coverage beginning 08.55, will be the culmination of the jets' nationwide tour in a symbolic sign of "unity, solidarity and recovery" with all of regions in Italy's coronavirus emergency.

Following the ceremony in Rome the president will make a private visit to Codogno, in the northern Lodi province of Lombardy, where Italy's first coronavirus patient was diagnosed.

Events cancelled in 2020

Italy has cancelled the military parade that traditionally marks the Festa della Repubblica in Rome, due to the covid-19 emergency.

The major parade, comprising thousands of members of Italy’s army, navy and police forces, is normally held along Via dei Fori Imperiali.

Also cancelled is the traditional open afternoon at the president's gardens at Palazzo Quirinale in Rome.

What does Festa della Repubblica commemorate

Festa della Repubblica is held in commemoration of the day in 1946 when Italians voted in favour of a republic and against the monarchy which had been discredited during world war two.

The annual holiday results in the closure of public offices, schools (already closed this year due to covid-19) and many shops.

Photo Ministero della Difesa