Italy rings in Festa della Repubblica, Republic Day, on June 2 every year.

This year’s celebration marks the 75th edition of the event, which commemorates the day in 1946 when Italians voted in favor of a republic over the long-established monarchy.

The post-WWII referendum transformed the government and sidelined the royal dynasty — known as the House of Savoy, which had supported Mussolini’s regime before and during the war.

The monarchy also led Italy’s Unification of 1861.

According to Wanted in Rome, the main spectacle, Frecce Tricolori, takes place in Rome and consists of an elaborate air show involving fighter jets that streak red, white and green smoke across the sky.

The day also took on new meaning as Italy continues its reopening. Today, the country’s bars and restaurants reopened for indoor service.

 

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