Foundation Day in San Marino 2023: Dates, History, Activities, Facts

Foundation Day in San Marino 2023: San Marino celebrates Foundation Day on September 3. The establishment of the Republic of San Marino is annually commemorated as a national holiday. It commemorates the day on which Saint Marinus, a martyr and Christian stonemason from the island of Rab in modern-day Croatia, fled Emperor Diocletian’s persecution of Christians, gathered a group of men on Monte Titano, and founded the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world. San Marino, a small republic located in the Apennines of Italy, has been constantly threatened by its more potent neighbours, the Roman Empire, France, and the Papal States. The festivities include the raising of the flag, the solemn oath, and a military parade.

History of San Marino’s Foundation Day

Saint Marinus established a Christian sanctuary on Mount Titano in what is now San Marino in the year 301 A.D. The Republic of San Marino is a landlocked territory in southern Europe, surrounded by the San Marino Apennine Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. It is only 380 square miles in size and has 32,000 inhabitants.

Cardinal Giulio Alberoni, legate of Ravenna, occupied the country on October 17, 1739. On February 5, 1740, the feast day of Saint Agatha, Pope Clement XII reinstated independence. She subsequently became the patron saint of the republic.

San Marino declared its neutrality in World War I in 1915. This did not bode well with Italy, which had joined the Allies and suspected that Austrian spies might use the republic as a base of operations. Italy attempted to compel a Carabinieri detachment into the republic and cut the republic’s telephone lines when it refused.

The Republic of San Marino contributed two parties of ten volunteers to the Italian front during World War I. One group fought as combatants, while the other ran a field hospital for the Red Cross. Austria-Hungary eventually severed diplomatic ties with San Marino as a result of the presence of this facility.

Although San Marino did not formally enter World War II, the “New York Times” incorrectly reported on September 17, 1940, that it had declared war on the United Kingdom. Later, the government of Sammarinese informed the British that they had not proclaimed war against them.

Foundation Day in San Marino 2023: Activities

Observe demonstrations

The 3rd of September is celebrated in San Marino with pyrotechnics displays, parades, and concerts. People also don traditional garb, such as folk dresses or military uniforms, to celebrate this event.

Attend a museum

During this time of year, visiting one of San Marino’s many museums or art galleries is one of the finest ways to celebrate Foundation Day. In addition to being an excellent method to explore the local culture, these institutions offer visitors special discounts or free admission during this period.

Gather with neighbours and family

Celebrate San Marino’s Foundation Day by convening with family and friends. Traditional cuisine consists of pasta with tomato sauce, meatballs or sausage and wine or lager.

Five Interesting San Marino Facts

Since more than 1,100 years ago, San Marino has been a sovereign state. Saint Marinus established a Christian refuge on Mount Titano in present-day San Marino on September 3, 301.
It has been occupied by seven different foreign powers throughout history, including Napoleon Bonaparte’s French army and German forces during World War II.
Monte Titano is the highest elevation in San Marino at 2,480 feet.
San Marino is an independent nation, but it is not officially recognised by the European Union.
San Marino’s constitution is the world’s oldest extant governing document, having been written in 1600 and still in effect.

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