June 2 marks the Festa della Repubblica – Feast of the Republic – in Italy. The day commemorates a 1946 referendum in which the Italian people voted to decide their form of government — monarchy or republic — in a tense and chaotic climate following the end of Fascism and the Second World War. Though controversy about irregularities in counting the votes were numerous, Italy was declared a republic. After 85 years of reign the monarchy ended, and the members of the House of Savoy were exiled.
To celebrate the Festa della Repubblica, a grand military parade is held in Rome, presided over by the President of the Republic, currently Giorgio Napolitano. The Prime Minister (currently Silvio Berlusconi) and other public figures will be in attendance.
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