Towards the 2nd of June: The Parade on Via dei Fori

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The Rome 2nd of June Parade is one of the most relevant events celebrating Italy’s Republic Day, the yearly commemoration of the birth of the Italian Republic in 1946. A solemn event which takes place along the historical Via dei Fori Iimperiali.

Origins and Historical Meaning
The first parade took place in 1948, two years after the institutional referendum that marked the end of the monarchy and the beginning of the Republic. On that occasion President Luigi Einaudi was honoured by the salute of the Flags of the deployed divisions, thus assuming command of the Armed Forces, according to Art. 87 of the Constitution.

How the Ceremony Changed
Over the years, the parade changed in many ways, reflecting the country’s social and political changes. In 1949, the year Italy joined NATO, ten parades took place in ten different Italian cities. In 1950 the parade was officially included in the protocol of Republic Day celebrations. However, there were times when it was suspended: in 1976 due to the earthquake in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and from 1978 to 1982 due to austerity. It was resumed in 1983 with a new itinerary which included Porta San Paolo, definitely coming back to Via dei Fori Imperiali in 1984.