For the 73rd time in their history, Italy and Italians celebrated the Festa della Repubblica, with events across the globe aiming to underline the relevance of what happened in the country in 1946. June 2nd became a public holiday only in 2000 though, when Italian President of the Republic, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, decided to make a National Day of celebrations.

In fact, not only did the date mark Italian citizens’ choice of the Republic over the Monarchy, but it was also the first time all Italian women could participate to a National vote, after they had had the first opportunity a few months earlier, during local elections. Since Italians decided to give up the Monarchy and embrace the Republican State, it is today seen also as an opportunity for Italian embassies and citizens around the world to get together.