From: One Stop Italy

Today, June 2nd, is a national holiday in Italy: Republic Day or “Festa della Repubblica”. This commemorates the referendum held this very same day in 1946 when the Italian people were asked to decide on the future course of their nation after World War II. After 85 years, should they remain a monarchy or become a republic?  With 12,717,923 votes for a republic and 10,719,284 votes against, the decision was made. Italy became a republic and the monarchs of the House of Savoy were deposed and exiled.

June 2nd is one of the most important of all public holidays in Italy, on a par with July 4th in USA and July 14th in France, for it celebrates the birth of the nation. It is marked on a local level by parades, and there will be parties in Italian embassies worldwide.