April 25th, Italy's Liberation Day, a day of remembrance and celebration

Liberation Day is celebrated in Italy on April 25th (Anniversario della Liberazione or Festa della Liberazione). The holiday is intended to celebrate the liberation of Italy at the end of World War 2 by the Allied Troops and the Italian resistance. This marked the end of 23 years of Fascism in Italy. The Festa della Liberazione also made it possible for the referendum that took place on June 2nd 1946 where Italians voted for a republic and no longer a monarchy.

How do Italians celebrate? With food, song and fireworks of course! Oh and parades, lots of parades. Songs such as the National Anthem are played in the town squares and the famous song "Bella Ciao" (also known as Italy's resistance anthem) is a staple on this day. 

The song "Bella Ciao" is comprised of lyrics such  “And if I die as a partisan, then you must bury me up in the mountain under the shade of a beautiful flower" Listen to the song on YouTube in its entirety here. 

Most offices and schools will be closed as it is a national Holiday. Some museums are open to the public for free for the day. If you happen to be in Italy on Liberation Day you may also find yourself looking up to see the Italian's Air Force Impressive display of jets streaking the sky with hues or red white and green to form the Italian Flag, a site to witness for sure!