On April 25 Italy remembers and celebrates the Day of Liberation from Nazi-Fascism. The day is a national public holiday which is celebrated with ceremonies, historic re-enactments and other events which include a visit by Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella to the Ardeatine Caves Mausoleum, a national monument that memorializes the site where the Nazis killed more than 300 Romans in 1944. Italy’s president will also lay a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier at the Altare della Patria. 

Many towns will host fairs, concerts and other dedicated events. Much like D-Day celebrations in the U.S. and elsewhere, it is also a day that Italy honors its veterans, called combattenti, or fighters. Most cities and smaller towns still ring bells to honor the Day of Liberation for Italy, and wreaths are placed on war monuments.