Every year on April 25th, Italy celebrates La Festa della Liberazione, or Liberation Day, a profoundly significant anniversary in the country’s history. This day commemorates Italy's liberation from Nazi-fascism, marking the end of the Nazi occupation and the fall of fascism.

The day is a national holiday, symbolizing the Resistance and the partisan struggle that began on September 8, 1943, when Italians first learned of the armistice signed at Cassibile. Though the war did not officially end on April 25, 1945, this day remains symbolic, as it marks the beginning of the German and Republic of Salò troops' retreat from Milan and Turin following the breakthrough of the Gothic Line by Allied forces and the actions of the Resistance.

This year's April 25th marks the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day. It is a date defined as “fateful” even today, as President Sergio Mattarella described it in his speech, emphasizing that it “marked the end of Nazi-fascism and the reclaiming of freedom in Italy.” Mattarella also stressed the importance of the Resistance, stating, “The Resistance against Nazi-fascism helped restore the image and prestige of our country. It was on behalf of this Italy that Alcide De Gasperi was able to present himself with his head held high at the Paris Peace Conference.” He added, “This redemption, the blood shed, this regained national honor, we celebrate today.”

The institution of this day as a national holiday has its roots in the immediate post-war period. On April 22, 1946, following a proposal from Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi, King Umberto II issued a decree declaring that April 25th, 1946, would be a national holiday to celebrate the total liberation of Italian territory. The event was celebrated in the years following, but it wasn’t until 1949 that it was officially institutionalized as a national holiday, alongside June 2nd, Italy’s Republic Day.

Since then, every year, public commemorations are held across Italy, from North to South, to honor Liberation Day. Among the most solemn events is the tribute by the President of the Republic and other high-ranking state officials at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Altare della Patria in Rome, where a wreath of laurel is laid in remembrance of the fallen and missing Italian soldiers in wartime.

The 80th anniversary of Liberation Day serves as an important moment of reflection on Italy’s journey from the darkness of war and dictatorship to the democracy and freedom enjoyed today. It is a day to honor the sacrifices made by those who fought for liberation and the enduring values of peace, justice, and national unity.