April 25 is Italy’s national holiday commemorating the liberation from Nazi-Fascism in 1945. It’s a day off, a political statement, and a reminder that democracy isn’t free.
Plan a history trip →April 25, 1945: the CLN (National Liberation Committee) calls a general insurrection. Partisans liberate Milan, Turin, and Genova before Allied troops arrive. April 28: Mussolini captured and executed. May 2: German forces in Italy surrender. The war in Italy is over. June 2, 1946: referendum — Italy votes to become a republic (monarchy abolished by 54–46%).
National holiday. Ceremonies at Resistance memorials across the country. Political marches (the left celebrates more visibly; the right’s relationship with the holiday is... complicated). The anthem "Bella Ciao" is sung. Restaurants are open (it’s a holiday, Italians eat). A powerful day to be in Italy — especially in Milan, Turin, Bologna, or Rome.