Frecce Tricolori for Festa della Repubblica, 2005
Annually on the 2nd of June, Italians celebrate Festa della Repubblica, the day when Italy became a Republic in 1946; after World War II and the end of Fascism. The Italians voted for the new form of government in an institutional referendum by universal suffrage; 12,717,923 voted for the establishment of a republic, and with 10,719,284 for the monarchy; after 85 years of rule, the male descendants of the House of Savoy were exiled. The festival is one of the most important Italian public holidays.
There are symbolic events attributed to Festa della Repubblica, such as the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Altare della Patria, Vittoriano, Roma. There is also a military parade held in central Rome, attended by the dignitaries such as the President of the Italian Republic and the Prime Minister. The Frecce Tricolori, 'Tricolour Arrows', also provide a patriotic show with their nine Italian Air Force aircrafts, flying over the Vittoriano monument, trailing green, white, and red smoke.
