National Liberation Day (Italy) 2023: National Liberation Day (Il Giorno Della Liberazione) is observed annually on April 25 in Italy to commemorate the beginning of the end of Nazi totalitarianism. In 1949, Alcide De Gasperi, then-prime minister of Italy, declared this day a national holiday. Also known as ‘La Festa Della Resistenza’ (Anniversary of the Resistance), it honours all political partisans who fought against the Nazis.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL LIBERATION DAY
During World War II, Italy signed an armistice (the Armistice of Cassibile) with the Allies on September 3, 1943. The nation lacked an official guide.
On September 8, German forces seized control of train stations, airports, and garrisons. And on September 9, the National Liberation Committee was established. With the Italian state dissolved and its leaders lacking credibility, the partisans turned to the liberation war.
The Italian partisan resistance included various groups and political organisations, such as the Italian Socialist Party, the Italian Communist Party, the Christian Democrats, the Italian Liberal Party, and others. Collectively, they constituted the National Liberation Committee.
Huge portions of the population participated in partisan formations and constituted an army of approximately 300,000 individuals (including an estimated 70,000 women). Bologna was the first city to be attacked on April 19, 1945, and it was liberated on April 21, followed by Genoa (April 23), Milan and Turin (April 25), and Venice (April 28). And eventually, on May 2, German forces capitulated.
On April 25 in the morning, partisan Sandro Pertini declared a general strike. He subsequently became president of the republic. The Liberation resulted in a referendum on June 2 that ended the monarchy and established the Italian Republic. This history continues to influence contemporary Italian culture.
HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL LIBERATION DAY
Attend the Rome spectacle
The annual parade in Rome, one of the most elaborate celebrations in Italy, is attended by tens of thousands of people and serves as a grand memorial to those who perished fighting for Italian democracy. Additionally, you can visit the tombs of the partisan combatants. One such location is the mausoleum in the Ardeatine Caves where 335 Romans were executed by the Nazis in 1944.
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Visit sites from World War II
Visit the numerous WWII-related sites, monuments, and battlefields. One such location is the Abbey of Montecassino, where a decisive battle occurred near the close of the war. “A Travel Guide to World War II Sites in Italy: Museums, Monuments, and Battlegrounds” is a fantastic book by Anne Leslie Saunders that provides a wealth of information on additional WWII locations.
Celebrate Festa di San Marco in Venice
The ‘Festa di San Marco’, one of Venice’s most important festivals, is held on April 25 to honour Saint Mark, the city’s patron saint. A procession takes place at both Saint Mark’s Basilica and Saint Mark’s Square (‘Piazza San Marco’).
Five Interesting Italy Facts
‘Bella Ciao’
‘Bella Ciao’ was the anthem of the Italian resistance movement during World War II.
Many infants
Mussolini encouraged Italian families to have more children by providing them with substantial tax benefits.
Pizza
The origin of the world-famous pizza is Naples, Italy.
Numerous countries
Since its independence, Italy has had more than sixty administrations.
Cats possess liberties
A person convicted of murdering a cat, whether stray or owned, could face up to three years in prison and a €10,000 fine.
WHY NATIONAL LIBERATION DAY IS SIGNIFICANT
It commemorates Italy’s liberation
This day marks the start of Italy’s war against the Nazis. It also commemorates the ultimate defeat of Mussolini’s dictatorship.
It recognises resistance
The day is observed in remembrance of all resistance fighters who perished defending Italy’s independence.
It is the conclusion of World War II.
This day commemorates the conclusion of World War II and the establishment of the Italian Republic.
NATIONAL LIBERATION DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 25 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | April 25 | Thursday |
| 2025 | April 25 | Friday |
| 2026 | April 25 | Saturday |
| 2027 | April 25 | Sunday |
